I often find myself wanting to complicate prayer. I was describing this in a small group. I flippantly said after describing a difficult situation, “I can’t pray. All I can do is breathe." My friend jumped in and said with great confidence, “Breathing is praying without ceasing.” I thought she was a little nuts.

I must confess over the last year my friend’s words have resonated. Moving into my body and away from my words, I find myself experiencing the presence of god on a regular basis. This form of prayer seems to impact my life in a way that my wordy laments did not. As I get still, I can hear God -- not typically in words -- more in a knowing way. Over time, this presence softens me and opens my heart. Below is a great breathing prayer by Christine Sine:

Breathe in the breath of God

Breathe out your cares and concerns

Breathe in the love of God

Breathe out your doubts and despairs

Breathe in the life of God

Breathe out your fears and frustrations

We sit quietly before the One who gives life and love to all creation

We sit in awe of the One who formed us in our mother’s wombs

We sit at peace surrounded by the One who fills every fibre of our being

Breathe in the breath of God

Breathe out your tensions and turmoil

Breathe in the love of God

Breathe out your haste and hurry

Breathe in the life of God

Breathe out your work and worry

We sit quietly before the One who gives life and love to all creation

We sit in awe of the One who formed us in our mother’s wombs

We sit at peace surrounded by the One who fills every fibre of our being