by Deacon Jessica Noonan (she/her), Executive Director at LEAD

An emerging theme for me this year has been the phrase – “Take a breath.” The Sunday after Alex Pretti was murdered on the streets of Minneapolis, I worshipped online with a Minneapolis church. Their pastor began worship with this very phrase. Then, a couple weeks ago, I was at a women’s retreat, and our Bible study leader reminded us that this time away was meant for us to “take a breath”.

Sometimes before a big meeting or presentation, even when I am fully prepared, I can feel my heart beat faster with a sense of panic. When I feel anxious about a situation, my practice is to take five slow, deep breaths. Like fully filling my lungs with air and slowly releasing the air from my body. This simple, small action allows me to re-focus on the current moment.

Have you ever felt like you needed to take a breath? With so many things coming at us each day it doesn’t take much to get overwhelmed. The reminder to take a breath can bring us back to center. Even one of our understandings of the Holy Spirit is connected to the breath of God! The Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us and revealing God to us in all the places we go and all the people we encounter along the way. Taking a literal breath to recenter or calm ourselves, or “taking a breath” by going on retreat are reminders of the Spirit being with us always.

A favorite prayer tool I have utilized with anxious adults and children is the Breath Prayer. Have you ever tried this? You can use a phrase or a Bible verse to think in your head as you take deep breaths in and out. Try this – as you take a deep breath in, think “Spirit fill me with your presence” and as you slowly breathe out, think “Spirit empty me of my worry”. You can choose the words that are right for you. 

Together, we enter into the reflective season of Lent.

I encourage you to “take a breath” and try out the Breath Prayer.