June 9-15, 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: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.." (John 15:4)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: " My soul, wait in silence for God alone, For my hope is from Him." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "My soul finds rest..." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence.... And then exhale as you whisper or think: "....in You alone." (Psalm 62:5)
Day 2: " Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "Come to me.." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence...And then exhale as you whisper or think: "..and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Day 3: " No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "When I am tempted….” Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence.. And then exhale as you whisper of think: "..He will provide a way out.." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Day 4: " having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.” Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "Cast your cares on Him." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence... And then exhale as you whisper or think: "..for He cares for you.." (1 Peter 5:7)
Day 5: " Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.." Breathe in slowly and deeply as you whisper or think: "Resist the devil.." Hold your breath, conscious of God's presence.. And then exhale as you whisper or think: "..and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
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.