Length: 10-15 mins

A simple, ancient method of prayer to be present with God.

Link to printable version coming soon

Breath Prayer & Human Dignity

All of us breathe. We take our first breath when we are born, and our last just before we die. Breathing is essential for sustaining life.

The Bible is full of imagery of how God’s image is alive in humanity—even in the very act of breathing. In Genesis 2, it is God breathing into Adam that brings him life. Many Jews describe that the very name of God, Yahweh, is the sound of breathing, for the Hebrew consonants that make up this name are the closest the Hebrew language comes to the sound of breath. Whenever we breathe, we are speaking the name of God. The two syllables of the divine name do not require the use of our tongue or lips, and can simply be produced by breathing air in and out.

Let’s try breathing the name of God as an act of prayer and worship together. As we breathe deeply in and out, we subtly speak out the divine name of God. 

  • Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind before God. Recognize that he is with you and loves you. Offer him the stress from your life, and instead choose to focus on him during this time. 

  • Take in a slow, deep breath. Inhale ‘Yah’, exhale ‘weh’. 

  • For a couple of minutes, breathe in saying ‘Yah’ and breathe out saying ‘weh’ while focusing your attention on God and his love for you.

  • Now, for another few minutes, continue breathing in ‘Yah’, and out ‘weh’. Remember the beauty of his creation, of the people he has made, and think about people in your life who  he has created. 

  • As the time is over, feel free to take a moment of silence before saying amen.

Reflection Question

  • How did God lead your thoughts during this exercise?