Spiritual Practice of the Week

Breathing is the single most important thing we do. Without it, we do not live. Usually, we pay little attention to it - it just seems to happen.

Paying attention to the breathing connects us to our fundamental nature and connection with the Source of Life. 

Even a practice as simple as noticing a breath connects us to God. 

Breathe in, and welcome the Holy into our life; breathe out and let go of what we no longer need.

God’s presence can be described as being as close as the breath within us, and just as essential and life-giving. 

The Divine Spark is indeed our breath.

Pay attention to how being conscious of your breathing makes you feel; how sustained deep breathing calms and nourishes you. Images and thoughts may come to you during the following practices. Pay attention to what you notice. Paying attention to breath is prayer and meditation. The breath is the stuff of the Divine; each response is a pull to life in all its fullness.

Breathing in Yah-weh

Speaking the word Yahweh, (yah-way) Hebrew for God, is practically effortless. 

Yah-weh, two simple syllables.

Sit quietly and comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. 

Breathe deeply and slowly into your belly, filling your body with breath. 

Long and deep, in and out. Let the thoughts that come roll away. Focus on the breath.

Breathe in and say the word yah to yourself within your breath. Breathe out and say the word weh within your breath. Breathe in yah, the very name of God. Breathe out weh. Breathe in yah again. Breathe out weh. Repeat. Continue on with calling God’s name through your breath for as long as you wish. Notice what images or words come to you as you pray through your breath.

© This prayer practice and all of those on the Sunday Morning Blog Post can be found in:  "Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry" Wood Lake Publishing
Doris is the Youth Director for the United Church of Canada in BC.