Inhale / Exhale

Years ago, I had the familiar experience of being in a plane coming up against prolonged turbulence. I am the type of person who avoids roller coasters, so this was an unwelcome and unnerving experience. I closed my eyes and attempted to say the Lord’s Prayer, but in my anxious state, I could only recall the first few lines. I soon began repeating these lines over and over again, focusing on breathing in and out, until the turbulence subsided. I was reminded of this instance a few weeks ago when my friend gifted me the book, “Breath as Prayer” by Jennifer Tucker. In it, Tucker explains the spiritual practice of breath prayer and provides thematic guides. Breath prayer can be done anytime and anywhere, and helps you slow down, be still, and reconnect. Unlike other forms of meditation and breathwork, you remain fully present and active. You fill your mind with the Word and look to God, not yourself, for peace. The combination of breathing and prayers helps relieve anxiety, slowing the heart and calming the body. Here is an abbreviated guide to breath prayer. The first step is to breathe in deeply and slowly. As you inhale, you pray the first half of a short Bible verse/prayer. Then, slowly exhale, emptying your lungs while praying the second half of the Bible verse/prayer. Meditate on the words as you breathe to the rhythm of the prayer. Repeat for one to five minutes. During the season of Lent, I decided to incorporate breath prayer into my spiritual practice. Here are a few examples of breath prayers. Only do one prayer at a time. I invite you to try it with me. Find a comfortable, quiet space. Take a few deep breaths to warm up. Then begin. PRAYER 1: inhale- YOU ARE MY REFUGE AND STRENGTH exhale - A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE PRAYER 2: inhale - TEACH ME YOUR WAY. exhale - HELP ME WALK IN YOUR TRUTH PRAYER 3: inhale - I HAVE PEACE IN YOU exhale - YOU HAVE CONQUERED THE WORLD PRAYER 4: inhale - YOU GIVE LIFE AND BREATH TO EVERYTHING exhale - YOU SATISFY MY EVERY NEED Elizabeth Virkler Director of Worship, Music, and the Arts