30 New Breath Prayers for Autumn
Burn-out is not / confirmation of caring more.
Hi friends,
This week, I’ve got a new set of breath prayers for you, all centred on themes for our season of autumn.1 I tend to write these seasonally for myself at a steady rhythm (along with new batches every now and then, based on whatever is going on in me or the world).
As I began writing these in my journal a few weeks ago, my mind immediately jumped to themes like harvest, gratitude, and even abundance but honestly? This is also a season of transition to cold, letting go, change, and embracing the turn towards rest all of which feel very relevant, too. You’ll see all of that reflected in our prayers below.
I hope that one or two of these will meet you well, too.
And for our paid subscribers, I’ve included a printable version of these for you, too.
Scroll to the final prayer to see the downloadable link.
First, A Reminder: How to Practice Breath Prayers
Breath Prayer is an ancient form of prayer, passed down through the Church and still practiced today. It is easily adaptable. Simply choose one or two lines to meditate on and inhale and then exhale through them. It really is that simple.
You can pray a breath prayer literally anywhere without any special rituals or whatever but I’ve found that I like to find a quiet corner for a few minutes and I usually start by lighting a candle.
Then just quietly become aware of your body. Sit in a way that is comfortable for you, a position that will allow you to take a deep breath in and out. Close your eyes.
Imagine a room or a place where you feel safe, your own sanctuary: it can be a real place or one that exists in your imagination.
Breathe slowly and deeply while holding that place in your mind for a few moments, until you have all the details of it gathered around your soul.
You’ll enter into your time of prayer or meditation from within that sanctuary.
As an example, one historic form of breath prayer is known as The Jesus Prayer. So, with that as our basis, here’s how it works:
Inhale. Fill your whole self with breath. Feel the air in your lungs. And then pray aloud or to yourself:
“Jesus Christ, son of God,”
Exhale slowly and fully.
“Have mercy on me.”
And then simply repeat this practice. Start with ten good breaths in and out, with the words being spoken aloud or quietly held in your mind, it’s up to you.
30 New Breath Prayers for Autumn
Each couplet of inhale/exhale stands is its own stand-alone prayer. Don’t see this as a litany of words to just gallop through as a huge recitation, but simply pick one(!!) that speaks to you and adapt it you like for your own prayer practice.
Inhale: In this season, Exhale: I cultivate gratitude. Inhale: Burn-out is not Exhale: confirmation of caring more. (From James 3:18) Inhale: Peacemakers who sow in peace Exhale: reap a harvest of righteousness.