In strength training we use a specific method of breathing that enables us to brace our core to keep our organs and spine safe during heavy lifts. We breath in through our nose to fill the diaphragm and exhale through our mouths to calm the nervous system.
Learning to use the proper method and timing of breathing is key to lifting weights safely.
I do the same thing when I settle down to pray. I breath in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and exhale all the things of the world — the distractions, the concerns, the situations I can’t control. Maybe you do the same. It is a wonderful way to start prayer time as it helps clear the mind and settle the body calm state so we can pray wholeheartedly.
I also like to compare prayer to breathing. As we seek to spend more time in prayer throughout the day, we may find that prayer begins to naturally rise from our hearts almost continually throughout the day without thought or effort — much like breathing — at least that is what I desire.
St. Paul tells us to ‘pray without ceasing’ and I don’t think he was referring to hands folded and head down all day, but that in all circumstances we have an awareness and connection to Father, Son and Holy Spirit who is with us, and in us, in all that we think, say and do.
How wonderful when words of praise and thanksgiving to God bubble up from our hearts in moments of joy. In hard times, we move seamlessly into fervent prayer for assistance. In ordinary moments that overwhelm the senses, as in a beautiful sunset, a peaceful walk, an inspiring book, or carefree timelessness with family and friends — we can’t help but whisper words of love to our creator for these gifts.
Some might refer to these prayerful exclamations as ‘breath prayers’ — as they rise from us as naturally as a breath in various circumstances. A few such prayers for me are, “Give me patience Lord,” “Hail Mary, full of grace,” “Thank you God,” “Come Holy Spirit” and “Jesus, I trust in you.” Being more aware of God’s presence and conversing with him throughout the day, asking and listening, inviting him into our temporal affairs, big and small, can unite us more fully to him, and hopefully over time, we become more like him.
St. Teresa of Avila said, “Prayer is being on terms of friendship with God frequently conversing in secret with Him who, we know, loves us.”
Breath is associated with ‘God in us’ throughout Scripture in many beautiful ways and reminds us of our call to rely on God in all things. A few examples … In Job 33:4, “… the breath of the almighty God keeps me alive.” In Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath give praise the Lord!” In Acts 17:25, “Rather it is he who gives life and breath and everything.”
Pope Francis links praise of God with breathing. “Praise is the ‘breath’ which gives us life, because it is intimacy with God … an intimacy that grows through daily praise. No one can live without breathing. It is the same with the Christian life. And with praise and worship. What do we do when we pray? We ask things of God, we give thanks …”
Let us give thanks to God for every breath and may prayers of praise and thanksgiving rise naturally from our hearts nearly as often as breathing.