June 16-22, 2024

What do you do when you are exhausted and overwhelmed by circumstances?  Things happen, almost daily it seems.  Responding to these times with the Word is one way we abide in His presence.  Specifically through small portions of scripture often referred to as Breath Prayers.  Breathing Breath Prayers is not a new phenomenon.  It is a simple act that allows us to:  pause, reset, and focus.  Pause:  take a breath.  Reset: release a breath.  Focus: meditate on God's Word/presence.  Giving space to rest in Him has a powerful effect on our mind, body, and spirit in a short span of time.  In effect we are releasing to God whatever is weighing us down.  Breath Prayers can be whispered during intentional set aside times or in the middle of the mess.  You are inhaling and exhaling very slowly as you recite/think the words of scripture.  Now lets practice.  Keep in mind that the prompts below were created with a variety of different Bible translations with NASB being the primary tool.

This week's Bible reading: John 15: 1-11

Focus Verse: "I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."  (John 15:5)

Prayer Prompts

Day 1: " God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes And the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "I will not be afraid..." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence.... And then exhale as you whisper or think: "....for You are with me." (Psalm 46:1-2)

Day 2: " When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "When I am afraid.." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence...And then exhale as you whisper or think: "..I put my trust in You." (Psalm 56:3) 

Day 3: " Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "Fear not….” Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence.. And then exhale as you whisper of think: "..for God is with you.." (Isaiah 41:10) 

Day 4: " There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love..” Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "Perfect love.." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence... And then exhale as you whisper or think: "..casts out fear." (1 John 4:18) 

Day 5: " You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "He who is in you." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence.. And then exhale as you whisper or think: "..is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4)

Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.