ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 13, 2022
Today (and then again on Thursday), I will begin teaching a class entitled Breath Prayer. It is based on a book (same name) by Christine Valters Paintner. A breath prayer is sort of what it sounds like. I think most of us are familiar with breathing. There is a rhythm or cadence to our breathing, and alongside the rise and fall, the inhale and the exhale, there is something that is truly life-giving and life-sustaining. Attaching words and expressions that hold meaning to this rhythm can be both centering and revealing. One of the more simple breath prayers Paintner suggests early in her book is:
I breathe in possibility
I breathe out gratitude
The words alongside the breathing are only part of the prayer. It’s as if the practice takes you along a path or to a doorway. The prayer itself is often the emotions, colors and imagery evoked by the practice. It is often better experienced than explained. I hope you’ll join me for the class.
Prayer:
Gentle God
Make yourself known
