Breath Prayers for a Time of Troubles
I was reminded this week by a trauma-informed educator about the importance of rhythm: how we first heard our mother’s heartbeat in the womb, how we soothe babies by patting their backs, how a truly distressed person will rock as they speak, and how breath, dance, music or movement in rhythm can bring us back to a place of safety.
Safety, the kind inside I can carry through so many conflicting and complex realities.
I’m guessing you need that, too. I woke up this morning thinking about breath prayers and even imagining them, I found myself coming back into rhythm and peace. I offer these to you to read slowly. You can read through all of them as a brief meditation or choose one to focus on (or bring with you into your day).
I invite you as you begin to lower your shoulders, place both feet on the ground, and unclench your jaw. If you’re walking, consider loosely shaking out your hands. You can also place a hand over your heart and gently pat rhythmically while you read or speak.
Inhale: Lord, have mercy.
Exhale: Christ, have mercy.
Inhale: This feels hard,
Exhale: Because it is hard.
Inhale: These tears make sense,
Exhale: God, hear my cry.
Inhale: There are so many stories.
Exhale: God, you know every one.
Inhale: There are so many stories.
Exhale: God, I hold up this one:
(Spend a few moments naming the story in whatever amount of details you need to tell)
Inhale: There are so many stories.
Exhale: You are God, alone.
Inhale: Joy is not betrayal,
Exhale: Joy can be resistance.
Inhale: I can care deeply,
Exhale: and still need a break.
Inhale: You know how we are formed.
Exhale: You remember we are dust.
Inhale (cast eyes down): The whole creation groans.
Exhale (lift eyes, rest them on something beautiful): It also claps its hands.
Inhale: We, though many,
Exhale: are one body in Christ.
Inhale: We are members,
Exhale: Of one another. (from Romans 12:4-5)
Inhale: When I call,
Exhale: Lord, you answer.
Inhale: When I cry,
Exhale: You say, Here, I am. (Isaiah 58:9)
