The Breath Prayer

Coronavirus is placing our economic and health systems under unprecedented stress, not to mention many of us personally. Each day brings new concerns for elderly parents, infected friends and neighbours, and maybe even our own livelihoods. These are testing times. Where will we find the inner resources to cope with the inherent anxieties ahead and rise to consider others?
Sheridan Voysey writes: 'I remembered a breath prayer I wrote last year based on some words from the apostle Paul. A breath prayer is a simple, short prayer said in a single breath. It’s very helpful in times of busyness and stress as it can be prayed while working or during a short break.

You pray the first line slowly breathing in

and the second line slowly breathing out

The words I based the prayer on are timely, I believe, because in moments like this it’s hard to fight fear and be altruistic through willpower alone. We need to be empowered to be virtuous. And so here comes the gift: Paul says that when we ask, God’s Spirit will fill us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Think about how valuable each of these qualities is right now.'

  
Breathe in for the lines in Bold type and breathe out for the lines in lighter type.

Lord God, fill me with your Holy Spirit.

I receive your love,
  and release my insecurity
I receive your joy,
  and release my unhappiness
I receive your peace,
  and release my anxiety
I receive your patience,
  and release my impulsiveness
I receive your kindness,
  and release my indifference
I receive your goodness,
  and release my ungodliness
I receive your faithfulness,
  and release my disloyalty
I receive your gentleness,
  and release my severity
I receive your self-control,
  and release my self-indulgence
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