Practically Spiritual : Breathing Prayer

Practically Spiritual : Breathing Prayer
The brilliance of a candle when the night is dark, the radiance of the moon in full illumination, these are some things that are best known in contrast. Our hearts are the same. We often do not recognize the subtle ache of its call until in utter hunger we are turned to hear. The echoes that call from the inner caverns of our heart are of another’s voice. A wholly other calling us to come and see, sit and eat, to enjoy a moment of sweet fellowship. This week I was reminded of the call as I talked with a new friend. She spoke of her morning ritual. A holy rite bought by blood, and given by grace. She told me that before she began the day she sat in silence, only for the time it took her to drink a slow cup of coffee. She would just sit with coffee in hand and just breathe. Those moments for her were special for she did not sit alone. Abba was near. As she spoke I was reminded of the 14th century eastern orthodox monk E. Kadloubovsky, who wrote that we should “have memory of God in place of breath.” Her breath made rich and caffeinated memories.

Many in this day do not take time to breathe and be near. This simple exercise is actually an ancient method of praying. Some have called it being prayer others call it breathing prayer. Paul states we should “pray all the time, asking for what we need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion.” (Eph 6:18 jb) The word “Spirit” which refers to the Holy Spirit is the Greek word punuma literally translated breath or wind. This shows us a fundamental aspect of His ministry to us. He helps us breathe prayer and be prayer. As we sit with Abba he fills us, he fills the air we breathe and we for an instant experience life. That rejuvenating moment that prepares us for a day of unknown possibilities. We are positioned to pray all the time with a heart that has already gained the fresh air of grace. I have found that when we take that moment to be prayer and abide with abba the day is transformed. Not all at once but in little movements. Our hearts become accustom to this life giving fresh air and long for it throughout the day. At a stop light, while waiting in line, when you become upset or impatient, we gasp for it. We must train ourselves to “just breathe” as you did that morning. Train yourself to know the light of life and be filled with his breath even as your enemies are posed to still your hope. Just breathe and know that grace is already given for every possible occasion. Hope is present, breathe it in and be filled with the light that expels darkness.

Heyschius a 5th century teacher wrote, “ceaseless prayer keeps our mental air free from the dark clouds… and when the air of the heart is pure, there is nothing to prevent the divine light of Jesus shining in it..” remember, the song we all know from childhood. Its truth still rings true even today, “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.” The secret to shining throughout the day is breathing in the morning. I know this to be true for my friend has an indelible weight of glory resonate in her. I have come to learn and respectfully honor that it is “the divine light of Jesus shining” in her. We should all take a lesson from her example. Tomorrow as you rise from your slumber and prepare to meet the day, pause, fill your lungs with grace, and Breathe.