Perhaps prayer is something you’ve always found easy. But, maybe it’s something you’ve struggled with.
Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
If you’re anything like me, then the “pray without ceasing” part probably feels confusing or daunting. I’ve often been unsure how someone could pray without stopping (especially as someone who isn’t particularly chatty myself). And, then I’ve felt guilty for not praying all day every day.
But, this guilt isn’t from God. Nor does prayer have to be confusing or difficult or the same every time.
In an article from “Christianity Today,” Esther Shin Chuang writes that her spiritual advisor “encouraged me to put aside the false guilt of not meeting my self-imposed expectations of spiritual disciplines. Instead, she advised me to be more gracious with myself and to practice breath prayers throughout the day.”
Those verses in 1 Thessalonians aren’t instructing us to stop everything each day to only pray. Rather Paul is instructing us to make prayer a regular and daily practice. He’s teaching us to draw near to Jesus.
God meets us where we are, and where we need to be met changes with new seasons of life – and often changes each day.
One of the most practical ways I’ve found for “praying without ceasing,” like Esther Shin Chuang, is through breath prayers.
These prayers are connected to an inhale and an exhale, and they can be as long or as short as you’d like. Breath prayers can be created around a Bible verse, or can be ways to converse with God how you might in a normal prayer time. The point is that we connect with God more regularly.
Here’s an example of a breath prayer:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Inhale: In your presence
Exhale: there is fullness of joy
Breath prayers don’t have to be connected to a piece of Scripture (although it can be a great way to memorize Bible verses!). They can also be something you’d like to say in the moment, or a way to pray for loved ones. Here’s another example:
Inhale: God, I receive your peace
Exhale: and I release my desire for control
Not only are breath prayers helpful in connecting with God throughout the day, but they also help us to calm down and practice mindfulness. Prayer helps us connect with God, and it reminds us that we have constant help in our need.
What are some of your go-to breath prayers, or what is one you’re going to try out today? Let us know in the comments! Your breath prayer might be exactly what someone else needs today.
