Part Eight: Breath Prayers - To Light Their Way

: Breath Prayers

BREATH PRAYERS ARE short meditations to help you focus your body and mind on the One who gives each breath. Rooted in Scripture, these simple praises and petitions act as connection points, providing space to slow your breathing and be present with God.

The contemplative practice of praying as you inhale and exhale has been used by Christians for generations as a way to be still and know that God is God (see Psalm 46:10). Breath prayer is simply an invitation to take a moment to breathe and center your thoughts on the reality of the Creator, who dwells in you and among you always.

As you inhale and exhale deeply, ask God to help you become mindful of your breath and your body. In our overwhelming daily realities, it’s easy to become disconnected from who God has created us to be—fully human, with a connected heart, soul, mind, and body (see Luke 10:27). If parenting is a continual undoing, these breath prayers act as a tangible invitation to let God piece us back together, breath by breath.

You can say these prayers silently or repeat the words aloud. Whether you’re rocking a baby, helping with homework, or stuck in traffic, integrate these mindful moments into the rhythms of your day. Many of the prayers are easy to memorize or pray with your children too. Close your eyes (unless you’re driving, of course!) and settle your body. There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Maybe you’ll find that you like resting a hand on your heart or stomach as you say the words—or maybe it works for you to pray to yourself as you go on a walk. You might repeat the prayers every morning or at the end of the day before turning off the light.

Whatever your circumstances, you can integrate these simple phrases into the rhythms of your day. Pray them at any time or in any place. The God of all things is already there.