Advent is the four-week season that leads up to Christmas. It’s a time of anticipation and celebration. Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme. Traditionally, week one focuses on peace, a true and lasting peace that can only come from a relationship with Jesus. Let’s explore the concept of peace along with some breath prayers for peace to help us infuse this truth into our day. 

What is Peace

Peace isn’t simply the absence of conflict but the presence of something better in its place. The Hebrew word used for peace in the Old Testament is Shalom (שָׁלוֹם). It appears over 230 times and is a central theme of the Bible. The Greek word used in the New Testament is Eirene (εἰρήνη), it appears 92 times. 

These words convey more than an absence of trouble. They mean that something is complete or whole. When you’re at peace, you are in a state of completeness or wholeness. Our shalom breaks down when any of the moving parts of our life are out of alignment. 

True peace is so much more than the absence of conflict. It’s taking what is broken and restoring it to wholeness.

We tend to look for peace in all the wrong places. We look to ourselves, to our circumstances, or to our relationships. However, the only way to truly find peace is to look to Jesus. 

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He gives us his peace, and he brings peace with no end. He restores our brokenness and reconciles us to God. Jesus was born to bring peace by reconciling us to God. Jesus is peace personified and fulfilled.  

We find peace when we trust in Jesus, surrender to him, and live in obedience. This doesn’t mean everything will always work smoothly; we still live in a fallen world. But it does mean that we have peace that can surpass any circumstance. 

True peace is so much more than the absence of conflict. It’s taking what is broken and restoring it to wholeness. And it’s only through Jesus that we can find true peace. 

Breath Prayers for Peace

Breath prayers are short, simple prayers that you can use with the rhythm of your breathing. They are a way to connect with and worship God throughout the day. Here are a few scripture-based breath prayers for this Advent season that focus on peace. 

Inhale: Prince of Peace

Exhale: I surrender my life to you

Based on Isaiah 9:6; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Inhale: Lord, You are my peace

Exhale: I trust in You

Based on Isaiah 26:3-4: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Inhale: Jesus, thank you for bringing peace

Exhale: and for removing my troubles and fears

Based on John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Inhale:  Thank You, Jesus, for Your peace.

Exhale: You reconcile all things

Based on Colossians 1:19-20: For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Inhale: God, Your peace guards me

Exhale: I rest in You

Based on Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Inhale: In You, I find peace.

Exhale: You have overcome the world

Based on John 16:33: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

If you like breath prayers, you might also benefit from Christian Affirmations. Learn about those in this blog.

As we move through the Advent season, let’s remember that true peace comes from a relationship with Jesus. By incorporating breath prayers for peace into our daily lives, we can connect with and surrender to the Prince of Peace, finding completeness and wholeness in Him.

May His peace guard our hearts and minds as we trust in Jesus and rest in His promises. Let’s embrace the concept of peace this Advent and allow it to permeate our lives, bringing hope and comfort during this season and throughout the year.

Try this YIN practice for a moving meditation that uses these breath prayers 🙂