Breath Prayers

Key Thought | Transformation begins in the mind. When we quiet our thoughts and fill them with truth, peace takes root, and every breath becomes an opportunity to abide in the presence of God.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. – Matthew 6:33 (MSG)

Where is your mind today? Are your thoughts weighed down and heavy? Our minds are like a garden, where what we plant and focus on will produce a harvest. God wants to nourish your mind and fill it with truth. One of the most practical ways to do that is through breath prayers.

I have realized that for transformation to occur in my life, I need to address the noise in my mind. It is slightly organized, but mostly loud, busy, and filled with to-do lists, worries, comparisons, and wondering what’s for dinner.

I became aware when I began asking myself:

• Am I dwelling on things that promote belief or doubt in my mind?
• Am I feeding it with fear or truth?
• What am I telling myself and focusing on?

Just like a tea bag that steeps in hot water, the transformation occurs when the tea bag is immersed and ultimately surrendered. Seeking His Kingdom requires discipline and ultimately denial of self. Our minds are most healthy when we quiet the noise between our ears and have a mind that is set on truth.

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Breath prayers are a phenomenal tool that can be used by anyone at any time, combining deep breathing with the truth of God’s Word. Not only do they help your mind focus on truth, but they slowly calm your body as well. Breath prayers are an intentional way to speak truth to yourself, while also reminding you of, and returning you to, your source of hope.

In John 15, the only way to bear fruit is to abide. We abide when we stay connected and open, making a daily choice to remain fixed on what is true. I believe God is calling us to audit our thoughts, to quiet the noise around us, and to feed our minds with truth. It requires discipline, but it leads to a transformed life.

Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Application | You can turn any Scripture into a breath prayer. Write down a verse, break it into small phrases, and align it with your breathing: inhale and exhale. This practice helps you stay mind-full of truth, centering your thoughts on God rather than yourself.

Here are a few examples:

Psalm 119:114 | You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word.

• Inhale: You are my shelter and shield.
• Exhale: My hope is in Your Word.
  
  

Psalm 23:6 | Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

• Inhale: Your goodness and mercy follow me.
• Exhale: All the days of my life.
  
  

2 Timothy 1:7 | For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

• Inhale: You do not give a spirit of fear.
• Exhale: But of power and love and a sound mind.
  
  

To live set apart, stable, and steadfast in this world, we must allow God to transform us by changing the way we think. That begins, one breath at a time.

Prayer | Lord, still my heart and quiet my mind. Help me to breathe in Your truth and exhale my fears. Teach me to meditate on Your Word throughout my day so that my thoughts align with Yours. May every breath draw me closer to You and fill me with peace. Amen.

Reflection | What thoughts have been occupying your mind lately? How might breath prayers help you replace worry with peace and truth throughout your day?

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!