Breath Prayer for Busy Moms

Breath prayer is a simple ancient practice that helps us pray throughout the day, using our breath as a guide. You can pray this way while walking, grocery shopping, or during pauses at work. Breath prayer is great for busy moms - just breathe in a short phrase, and breathe out another. 

You can say the prayer once, or you take a minute or two to slow down, matching each line to your inhale and exhale. 

If you find a breath prayer you especially love, write it on an index card and leave the card somewhere you often find yourself rushing, like the dashboard of your car or the laundry room. When you see the card, pause, take a deep breath and out, and begin to pray. 

Here are a few to try. They come from some of the Bible stories we explore in our books, but any simple prayer can become a breath prayer. 

When You Feel Unseen or Unappreciated
Breathe In: God who sees me
Breathe Out: See me now

When You Feel Worried, Anxious, or Afraid
Inhale:  I am afraid  
Exhale: Please come

When You Feel Jealous or Judgmental
Breathe In: I’m struggling with her
Breathe Out: Lord bless her

When You Feel Angry (or Enraged!)
Inhale:  In my anger
Exhale:  Help me not sin

When You Feel Spiritually Dry
Inhale: I am thirsty
Exhale: Give me Living Water

When You Feel Lonely
Inhale: Jesus, I can’t do this alone
Exhale: I need a friend