Breath Prayer is following the rhythm of your breath and allowing that rhythm to guide the cadence of your prayer.
Within the Christian tradition,
The Breath Prayer dates back to the 6th century.
Historically,
It is associated with the Eastern Church,
Particularly Greek and Russian Orthodox churches.
Known as the Jesus Prayer or Prayer of the Heart,
Early practitioners would repeat to the rhythm of their breath the phrase,
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
Have mercy on me a sinner.
In time,
The prayer was shortened to,
Lord Jesus Christ,
Have mercy,
Or simply,
Jesus,
Mercy.
I invite you for the next 10 minutes to first select a name that you refer to God by.
Use that name to address God at the beginning of your Breath Prayer.
Once you choose the name that you would use in referring to God,
Then pause for a few moments and think about what your desire is in this moment.
What is your heart's longing?
Once you've identified your longing,
Condense it down to a word or two,
And then on the out-breath,
Express the name and the longing of your heart to God.
We begin this personalized Breath Prayer with three deep breaths.
Please take them slowly and allow yourself to settle and calm into this time and this space.
Following the three deep breaths,
Allow your breath to find its natural rhythm and begin your prayer.
The instrumental music plays.
You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You
