Breath prayers are a simple yet powerful tool that can help you connect with God. At their core, breath prayers involve repeating a short prayer or phrase while focusing on your breath. These prayers are a great way to cultivate a sense of calm and peace while inviting God’s presence into your life.

What Are Breath Prayers?

Breath prayers are a spiritual practice that involves inhaling and exhaling slowly while focusing on a chosen phrase or prayer with each breath cycle. These prayers are usually short and easy to remember, making them a convenient tool for mediation, stress reduction, and spiritual grounding you can do at any time throughout your day.

The simplicity of breath prayers lies in their ability to combine intentional breathing with meaningful phrases. They offer a quick and effective way to center yourself and connect to God, providing a moment of peace and calm during a busy day.

How to Combine Breath With Prayer

If you’re new to breath prayers, don’t worry – they’re easy to learn and can be practiced anywhere at any time. To start, find a quiet place to sit comfortably and focus on your breath. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself, then repeat your chosen prayer or phrase. Chant the first part of the statement with your inhale and the second as you exhale. For example, inhale, “Emmanuel,” exhale, and “Be with me” (Matthew 1:23).

To help you get started, here are some examples of breath prayers and their scripture references. Feel free to use these prayers as a starting point or create your own based on your favorite scriptures.

Some of My Favorite Breath Prayers

1. Lord, I love you with all my heart, soul, and strength – Deuteronomy 6:5
2. Lord, I give you thanks, I glorify your name – 1 Chronicles 16:8-10
3. Lord, I seek you – 2 Chronicles 15:2
4. Blessed be the name of the Lord – Job 1:21
5. Lord, in your presence, I am full of joy – Psalm 16:11
6. Lord, you are my rock and redeemer – Psalm 19:14
7. Lord, restore my soul – Psalm 23:1
8. Shepherd, guide me – Psalm 23:1
9. Lord, have mercy on me – Psalm 51:1
10. Oh God, create in me a clean heart – Psalm 51:10
11. God, you are my refuge and fortress, I trust in you – Psalm 91:2
12. I am yours, save me – Psalm 119:94
13. Lord, guide my steps – Psalm 119:133
14. I am fearfully and wonderfully made -Psalm 139:14
15. Lord, I trust in you with all my heart – Proverbs 3:5
16. Prince of Peace, fill me – Isaiah 9:6
17. Lord, you have called me, I am yours – Isaiah 43:1
18. Lord, there is none like you – Isaiah 45: 5-7
19. Healer, restore me – Jeremiah 30:17
20. Your love never ceases, your mercies are new each morning – Lamentations 3:22-23
21. I return to you, Lord, I give you my heart – Joel 2:13
22. Even through trials, I will rejoice in you, Lord – Habakkuk 3:19
23. Jesus, let your light shine through me – Matthew 5:16
24. Your kingdom come, your will be done – Matthew 6:10
25. Bread of Life, sustain me – John 6:35
26. Light of the World, illuminate my path – John 8:12
27. I abide in your love; I am full of joy – John 15:9-11
28. Holy Spirit, fill me anew. – Acts 2:4
29. Abba, Father – Romans 8:15
30. Nothing can separate me from your love – Romans 8:38-39
31. I am not my own; I was bought with a price – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
32. God of all comfort, comfort me – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
33. Lord, I walk by faith and not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7
34. Your grace is sufficient; Your power is perfect in my weakness – Corinthians 12:9
35. I am forgiven – Ephesians 1:7
36. The peace of Christ rules my heart – Colossians 3:15
37. You are King of kings, and Lord of lords – 1 Timothy 6:15
38. Lord, you are faithful, I hold fast to hope – Hebrews 10:23
39. Let my trials produce a steadfast spirit – James 1:3
40. Lord, I repent, thank you for your patience – 2 Peter 3:9

The Takeaway

These short, repetitive prayers synchronize with your breath, creating a rhythm that invites a sense of peace and connection with God. These simple prayers are not about fancy words or elaborate rituals but about cultivating a heart-to-heart conversation with God. They remind us that we can connect with Him amid our busy lives.

Does your love for God feel strained?  Use this prayer to help rekindle your faith. 

Remember, the most important thing when practicing breath prayers is approaching them with a spirit of openness and surrender. Allow yourself to be present in the moment and let the words of your prayer sink deep into your heart. With practice, breath prayers can become a powerful means for deepening your relationship with God and finding peace amid life’s challenges.