We often make prayer so complicated, a labyrinth of lists and complicated expectations when it could be as simple as our breath. In the battle against anxiety and indecision, clutter and confusion, a deep breath and cry for help has been my first (and ongoing) step.
A breath prayer, also known as the Jesus prayer or beggar prayer, is simply crying out your heart’s desire to God. It’s an ancient tradition.
Keep this prayer short and include a name or attribute of God and your current need or longing in your life or praise. The goal is for it to become as reflexive as your breathing. Samples of breath prayers include:
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner.
Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Abba, I belong to you.
Be still and know that I am God.
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
My God and my all (St. Francis’ breath prayer).
Some of mine include:
Yes. Lord. Jesus. Christ.
Lord Jesus, show me my next step.
Triune God, I trust you.
Keep it short enough where you can inhale deeply on the first part (Lord Jesus) and exhale fully on the second part (Have mercy on me a sinner). Keep it simple enough where you will remember it and can repeat it throughout the day. The goal is not to be like the Cowardly Lion rapid-fire repeating “I do believe in spooks. I do, I do, I do. . .” but to slow down and breathe in truth that will imbed in your soul.