“Breath prayer is a simple, contemplative prayer that builds muscle memory as we abide with God. . . . It is a simple way to . . . come to a place of rest in the presence of your Emmanuel. When we marry Scripture or a prayer phrase with our breath, we experience being quieted in God’s love.”- Summer Joy Gross
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love”- Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
In Chapter 16 “Breath Prayer: Resting in God”) of The Emmanuel Promise, Summer Joy Gross talks about two forms of breath prayer.
1. Simple breath prayer. First, take four or five deep breaths. Extend your exhale. Next, inhale a phrase of Scripture. Then, exhale the same phrase or a continuation of it. For example: (inhale) The Lord (exhale) is my shepherd.
2. Centering prayer. Set a time for between five minutes and twenty minutes. After that, breathe in and out with a short phrase. While you do that, ‘center’ your attention on communion with God. As a result, your mind begins to still in the presence of God. Furthermore, author Brendan Manning invites us to pray, “Abba, Father, I belong to you.” This builds attachment with God.
In conclusion, Summer observes, it’s deeply human to want to escape suffering. Hence, we tend to think that if we link good moral behavior to the right words and quantity of prayer, God responds and lifts us out of our pain.
However, Summer cautions, this immature view of life fosters deep disappointment in the God of the universe. Therefore:
“When we espouse this formulaic idea of God as genie who can wave away our pain, we end up shaming those who are suffering instead of coming alongside them. Lord, have mercy. The suffering ones are often collateral damage from this twisted theology.”
Today’s question: In what situations might you use a breath prayer or centering prayer? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the August Short Meditation, “Shine for all to see”
