An ancient way of praying dating back to at least the sixth century is called “breath prayer” which intentionally connect your body with your mind, heart, and soul allowing it to calm down and rest. Breath prayer reminds us we cannot live on just one breath of God. God is the oxygen of our soul. Breath comes from God. The easy rhythm of attaching a word or phrase to each inhale and exhale becomes a bodily expression of desire for God. It engages the whole self in communicating longings to God.

Ask God to reveal a name of God or God's name for you, as well as a desire or need for you (i.e. "Beloved, you are enough," "Mighty One, rest", or "Jesus, have mercy.") Become conscious of your breathing. Slowly inhale deeply, praying God's/your name. Pause when your lungs are full and belly is expanded. Then exhale, saying your need/desire. Pause when lungs are empty.

Continue breathing this way noticing and focusing on your breath coming in, pushing out your belly, and

going out as you pray. For children, simplify this to Belly Breathing. Sometimes we feel like crying, hitting, or shouting. When we do, it's time to use the gift God gave us-breathing! They can Belly Breathe until they feel calm again, and then close their prayer by thanking God for breath. Belly Breathing pushes your diaphragm wall and presses on the longest cranial nerve in the spine. As you breathe it massages the nerve and triggers your parasympathetic nervous system into action, telling it "everything is okay". In turn, your system clears your blood stream of lactate which triggers anxiety in us, and it releases serotonin which makes us feel good. Breathing is God's good gift.

Amy McGrew, Author