Today’s scripture: Hebrews 13:20-24 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
As I read the ending of Hebrews in this passage of scripture, the Benediction in verses 20 and 21 caused me to take a time out and just pray over the passage. After a while, I realized I was connecting with this passage because this is my breath prayer right now.
“Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do [God’s] will, working among us that which is pleasing in [God’s] sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
A breath prayer is an ancient Christian prayer practice that goes way back to early Christians around the sixth century or a little before that. Some may know this as the “Jesus Prayer” or “Prayer of the Heart.” The words “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner,” “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy,” or “Jesus, mercy” would be repeated to the rhythm of their breath. “Be still and know that I am God” would be an example of another popular breath prayer.
This represented an example of praying without ceasing, as it would be used throughout the day to bring us into the awareness of the presence of God. The words can be adjusted to the prayer of your heart. Praise can be expressed by calling out to God by the name you connect with most: God, Jesus, Father/Mother, Spirit, Christ, etc. The breath prayer is usually said silently within; but some sing it, others chant it, and still others can converse with God with it and use it to enter more focused prayer time.
As I reread verses 20 and 21 several times, I put it into my own words as a breath prayer and took some time to develop it and use it:
“God, make me complete.”
What would your breath prayer look like right now? Take some time to think about it. What does God want from you right now? It could be peace, love, understanding, refuge, wisdom, discernment, etc. It may be something like: “feel your presence,” or “hear your voice,” or even “make me complete and serve in your way.” What is your heart telling you right now? When completing your breath prayer, think about what prayer language you use for God. That word or image can be your praise entering into the prayer. Some examples are as follows:
- God, let me feel your presence.
- Jesus, help me forgive.
- God, let me feel your love and grace.
- O Lord, show me your way.
- Holy one, heal me.
- Jesus, have mercy.
- Holy Wisdom, guide me.
- Father/Mother (Abba/Amma), let me feel your presence.
As you form your breath prayer, or use something familiar that connects you with God, a verse or a line from a hymn, etc., you can say it as part of your breathing, which makes it a breath prayer. Breathe in the first phrase or your word for God, and breathe out the second phrase or word. Doing this can help us remember our prayer, and give us a rhythm of practicing God’s presence in our lives.
Thought for the day: I encourage you to think about the breath prayer on your heart. What would that be? It’s your breath prayer. Use it your way.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.