Introduction
Today’s blog is about the elemental connection between God’s Holy Spirit, our breath, and our prayers. It begins with three quotes:
The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; KJV).
The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life (Job 33:4; KJV).
I will pray as long as I have breath! (Psalm 116:2; NLT).
Mindful breathing
Our breath is God’s breath. His breath gives us life, and maintains us, whether we are aware of this or not. We can therefore consciously connect with God at any time through mindful breathing.
Silent prayer
A few days ago I received a prayer to be repeated silently in time with my breathing. Its structure ensures that every in-breath is balanced by an equal out-breath. The breathing and the prayer are essentially one. This practice enables me to breathe God in and out, reminding me that I am one with Him, and bringing me a moment of inner peace.
Method
Each couplet of the prayer forms one complete breathing cycle. I slowly breathe in through the nose during the first line, then out through my lips during the second line. The whole exercise takes only a few minutes, and is well worth the effort. This is what I do:
- Stand, sit, recline, or lie comfortably.
- Relax my shoulders.
- Support my hands comfortably, however I wish.
- Whilst listening to the first line of each couplet, I breathe in slowly, smoothly, gently and fully through the nose.
- Whilst listening to the second line of each couplet, I breathe out by blowing slowly, smoothly, gently and fully through my lips, as if blowing the seeds off a dandelion.
- At the end, I take a moment to notice how I’m feeling.
- Then, when I’m ready, I continue with my day.
Even in my current spiritual darkness, this practice helps me to become more deeply aware of my essential union with God. It reminds me that to breathe mindfully is to pray. If you would like to try this for yourself, here are the words I was given:
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (Psalm 116:2; NLT).
I am yours, and you are mine:
We are one, beyond all time.
You are mine, and I am yours:
Safe with you, despite my flaws.
I love you, and you love me:
Lord, you set my spirit free.
You love me, and I love you:
This is all I need to do.
You, alone, restore my soul,
Heal my wounds, and make me whole.
One day I will see your face,
Touch your hand, and share your grace.
One day, you will hold me tight:
Then, Lord, we will reunite.
Breath and Spirit: we will soar,
One in love, for evermore.
Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31; NLT).
We who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17; NLT).
Acknowledgements
My wonderful social worker, L.M., recently recommended a book called, “Breath”, by James Nestor. Although this book makes no mention of prayer, I would like to acknowledge the inspiration it has given me to begin exploring the practice of linking my breathing to my prayers.