Breath Prayer for Anxious Parents

As Christians, we know that our deepest hope is in Jesus, but in times of very physical and tangible anxiety, that hope can feel trite or even uncomforting. So, what might it look like to step into a lived out experience of “casting our anxieties upon Jesus” (1 Peter 5:7)?

We’ve all been there. Our hearts and thoughts are racing, we feel panicked, can’t think clearly, and even lash out. Anxiety can take so many forms for each of us. Angry outbursts, worry, and even paralyzing thought cycles are all normal responses to an anxious thought or feeling, and is to be expected as we move about the world navigating parenting, work, marriage, and relationships. But, sometimes we can let these thoughts and feelings consume us, and even define us. 

As Christians, we know that our deepest hope is in Jesus, but in times of very physical and tangible anxiety, that hope can feel trite or even uncomforting. So, what might it look like to step into a lived out experience of “casting our anxieties upon Jesus” (1 Peter 5:7)? 

Just Breathe

Well, while there are lots of ways we can embody our trust in Jesus, one ancient practice is something you’re already doing – breathing. The practice of breath prayer is a simple way that we can invite God into moments of our lives where we feel trapped by anxious thoughts or feelings. 

Deep breathing has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost energy, improve mood, increase muscle stability among many other benefits. We can think about this as a cool coincidence that something we are wired to do without thinking can have so many benefits; but we can also see it as God’s design for our bodies. It’s a gift to be able to care for the taxing emotions we experience as a natural part of our humanity. We can imagine God saying, “I want you to be able to care for yourself always, because I am with you always.”

Breath prayers are really as simple as they sound. Using Scripture or a phrase based on Scripture, repeat (aloud or silently) the first half on the inhale breath, and the second half on the exhale. Be sure to breathe deeply, counting for 5 on the inhale and exhale, and hold for 2 in between. 

A Practical Application Breath Prayer

Obviously, breath prayers are no substitute for counseling or medical intervention that might be needed, but we can see them as a tool built into us by our Creator to weather the emotional storms that come our way. Here are some prompts you might use if you want to try breath prayers: 

(inhale) Here I am
(exhale) There you are

(inhale) Your grace is sufficient
(exhale) My weakness made perfect

(inhale) The Lord is my Shepherd
(exhale) I have everything I need

(inhale) Here I am
(exhale) There you are

(inhale) Guard my heart and my mind
(exhale) With your indescribably peace

(inhale) You still the storms to a whisper
(exhale) You hush the waves of the sea

(inhale) There is no fear
(exhale) In Your love. 

Breath prayers are not just for anxious parents. It’s also something that we can teach our children when they are overcome with anxiety. If you’d like to explore more breath prayers you can check out books like Breath as Prayer or Every Season Sacred to get you started. 

 

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