Some Changes to the Prayer Guide
Over the next couple of months we're going to be experimenting with some changes to the prayer guide. Our goal is to help you to engage in prayer more consistently and in ways you might not have experienced before. For our next sermon series we're going to try connecting the prayer guide to the Sunday topics, but for this week we are going to suggest several apps that feature creative ways to pray.
There is no limit to the opportunities we can participate in through prayer. Some of these apps may be just what you've been looking for and some may not connect with you at all. No worries! Take what you like and leave the rest. Feel free to explore which of these apps invite you into a deeper relationship with God. We begin with one of our favorites.
Breath Prayer
Breath Prayer is an ancient form of prayer and it is easily adaptable. Simply choose one or two lines to meditate on and inhale and then exhale through them.
Example, do this:
- Inhale. Fill your whole self with breath.
- Feel the air in your lungs. And then say:
- The Lord is my Shepherd.
- Exhale slowly and fully.
- I have everything I need.
And simply repeat this practice. Start with ten good breaths in and out, with the words. Let it become your mantra for the day.
Breath prayers are a wonderful way to pray scripture. As you read, try noticing what phrases bubble up for you and turn them into a breath prayer. The possibilities are endless.
- Here I am Lord, send me (Isaiah 6:8)
- He must increase, I must decrease (John 3:30)
4, 7, 8 Breath Prayer
Another form of breathing to calm ourselves before prayer (or anytime of the day) is the 4, 7, 8 method.
- Breathe in for 4 seconds.
- Hold for 7 seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for 8 seconds.
Remember in the beginning God breathed life into us and Jesus breathed on the disciples and the Holy Spirit was given. All breath comes from our loving Father through His beloved Son and now the Holy Spirit.