Breathing is a natural rhythmic activity we often don't think about. It happens daily, while we're awake and as we sleep. Our lives depend on this. We cannot live without breathing. To pray and to live with Christ is also a rhythmic activity and spiritually we cannot live without Him.

A Breath Prayer is also known as Prayers of the Heart. It is a practice dating back centuries. It is intended to be a very short, simple and easily repeated prayer that is based on a particular scripture passage or attribute of God. This practice is meant to adjust where we find ourselves at any moment with God. God created our bodies to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-2) and this is a practical way of engaging our bodies to stay focused in prayer. We find the Psalmist frequently using the body in praying. Sitting quietly, laying facedown, kneeling, standing, raising hands, shouting, walking, dancing are all physical postures demonstrated by the Psalmist.

The repetition of phrases we are warned against in Matthew 6:7 is in regards to prayers being spoken to impress others. Breath Prayers are not meant to disengage the mind or impress God in some way. They are meant to cut through the blocks within ourselves and receive God's pouring in. A Breath Prayer is normally practiced silently with ourselves but can also be practiced corporately and out loud.

1. Begin with Silence
Calmly and intentionally become aware of your breathing. Feel yourself grounded where you are sitting. Acknowledge any sounds around you and let them be in their place. Consider the condition of your soul. Are you tired? Restless? Anxious? Rejoicing? Inspired? Pair these with the knowing that God is with you in this condition and in this moment.
2. Embrace your Reality
In a few words consider what you need right now. What is your understanding of God when it comes to that need?
3. Pick a Scripture or Attribute of God
What scripture or attribute most speaks to your present condition and need? Some examples of attributes of God are Almighty, Healer, Encourager, Lamb, Peacemaker. Some popular passages are Psalm 23:1, Psalm 46:10-11, Psalm 62:1,4, Matthew 6:13, Philippians 4:4-6 and 2 Corinthians 5:7
4. Rhythmic Breathing
We breathe in oxygen that energizes us and we breathe out carbon dioxide waste. As you pray the first half of your Breath Prayer imagine yourself breathing in slowly and deeply your spiritual longing for Christ. As you pray the next part of your Breath Prayer, imagine yourself breathing out your releasing of a struggle or need.
5. Palms Up / Palms Down
A helpful posture is to pray with your hands. Your hands can gently lay on your lap with palms up. As you inhale, imagine yourself receiving the Lord's pouring in. As you exhale, turn your palms down and imagine yourself releasing what's been challenging you.
6. Prayer / Journal / Self Reflect
What emotions or thoughts arose? What shifted in you by experiencing God this way? Is there something to do or are you being invited to sit with this?