Have you ever stopped to think about your breathing? Probably not often, but consider this: an active adult takes up to 50,000 breaths in a single day. For a one-year-old, it’s even more, around 86,000. We don’t usually give it a second thought, yet every breath we take is nothing short of a miracle, a gift from God.
Breathing is a remarkable process. With each inhale, your lungs fill with oxygen, sending it into your bloodstream, your heart pumps it through your body, and life flows. Exhaling removes what you don’t need; carbon dioxide. This cycle, happening without us even thinking about it, sustains life itself. It’s no wonder Scripture connects our very breath to God’s presence and power.
Genesis tells us that God formed humanity from the dust and breathed into us the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). Later, in John’s Gospel, the resurrected Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). From the beginning, our breath has been a divine gift, a connection to the living God. And in prayer, our breath can become a tool to focus on that connection.
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This idea isn’t new. For centuries, Christians have used breath prayers, short, simple prayers paired with mindful breathing, to draw near to God in a deeply personal way. The Orthodox Church, for example, has prayed the “Jesus Prayer” for generations: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me (a sinner). It’s a powerful reminder that prayer isn’t about working harder to reach God; it’s about receiving His grace and presence.
In a world filled with busyness and anxiety, breath prayers offer us a way to slow down, be still, and anchor ourselves in God’s Word and promises. What follows are 10 breath prayers drawn from Scripture prompted by Tim Jarick and inspired by Steph Maher and Sarah Bessey. These prayers are simple yet profound tools to help you find peace, be present, and breathe deeply of the life and love God offers us every moment. I would encourage you to read and meditate on the passage first and then incorporate the breath prayer into your day as often as possible.
10 Breath Prayers Straight from the Bible
1. Romans 8:38-39
Inhale: Nothing can separate me,
Exhale: from the love of God.
2. Corinthians 12:9
Inhale: Your grace
Exhale: is enough for me.
3. 1 John
Inhale: There is no fear
Exhale: in your Love.
4. Psalm 91:1
Inhale: I find rest
Exhale: in Your shelter.
5. Psalm 23
Inhale: I will not be afraid
Exhale: for You are with me.
6. Psalm 46:10
Inhale: Be still
Exhale: and know you are God.
7. Matthew 6:10
Inhale: On earth
Exhale: as it is in heaven.
8. Psalm 46:1
Inhale: You are our refuge
Exhale: and our strength.
9. Psalm 103:5
Inhale: You fill my life
Exhale: with good things.
10. Philippians 4:7
Inhale: Peace of Christ,
Exhale: guard my heart and mind.
