Breath Prayers for Advent

Can breath prayers for Advent help us to find deeper meaning this Christmas?

During Advent, Christians are invited to recall the past, awaken to the present, and anticipate the future. We are reminded that there is a bigger story being told, and we are living in the “time between.” In my previous blog about Advent, we are reminded that “Advent is the season of readying ourselves for Jesus Christ to come into the world.  Past….Present….and Future.”

But how do we “ready ourselves” for Advent? 

As we move through this season, let us explore how the ancient practice of breath prayer can help us to meditate on the birth of Jesus and prepare ourselves for the Coming of Christ.

What is Breath Prayer?

A breath prayer is a form of contemplative prayer that involves combining a short, simple prayer with the rhythm of one’s breath. 

The practice typically involves combining a brief prayer or phrase with the rhythm of the inhalation and exhalation of breath. This can be a way to focus the mind, quiet the thoughts, and awaken to spirit.

The goal of a breath prayer is to create a meditative and prayerful state, fostering a connection with the divine. It’s a practice found in various religious and spiritual traditions, including Christian contemplative practices.

Breath Prayer vs Breathwork

What is the difference between “breath prayer” and “breath work”? 

Breath prayer and breathwork are similar in that they both focus on utilizing the breath to bring benefit to the body, mind, and/or spirit. 

Breathwork is an umbrella term used to refer to various breathing exercises and practices. Breathwork emphasizes physiological benefits like a lowered heart rate, reduced blood pressure, reduced tension, and relaxation. In my previous blog about breathwork, I shared 3 breathwork practices to help manage stress. While some forms of breathwork can have spiritual or meditative components, most are more secular and primarily emphasize physical and physiological benefits.

On the other hand, breath prayer is a practice that utilizes the breath and emphasizes the spiritual rather than the physical component. Primarily associated with contemplative and meditative practices, the goal is often to achieve a state of mindfulness, spiritual connection, or inner peace. While breath prayers are practiced by many faith traditions, the ancient practice of breath prayer is found in the Christian tradition as early as the 3rd century in the Orthodox church.

How to “Celebrate” Advent with Breath Prayers

Using breath prayers for Advent can be a simple, yet profound practice to help you to connect with the deeper meanings of Advent. You can create your own short prayers for Advent, tailoring them to resonate with your personal reflections for the season. The key is to keep the prayers short, meaningful, and aligned with the spirit of anticipation of the coming of Christ. Before we can do this we must have a proper understanding of the season of Advent. 

What is the Meaning of Advent?

The season of Advent begins the new year on the Liturgical (or church) calendar.

The word Advent, is derived from Latin root adventus, which is translated as “coming.”  The traditional liturgical color for Advent is purple.

How do we celebrate Advent? The season of Advent is not meant to be a celebration but is a time dedicated to the preparation and hopeful anticipation of the coming of Christ. It is a time for remembrance of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and also of preparation for the second “advent” or the Second Coming of Christ.

During this four-week period leading up to Christmas, many followers of Christ engage in prayers for Advent, meditation, and Scripture study that emphasizes hope, peace, love, and joy. While Christians from many backgrounds observe this season, their practices may look different, but all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King.

Breath Prayers for Advent to Reclaim the Sacredness of the Season

How can we reclaim the sacredness of the season of Advent? How do we prepare for the coming of Christ? How do we make room for the Light of Christ to be born?

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, Advent happens during the season of winter. It seems that Creation naturally points us to the deeper meanings of Advent. The darkest nights. The freezing cold. The harsh lines in the landscape of winter all provoke a certain longing. The solstice, the day when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun, occurs just days before we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We experience the shortest day and the longest night… It is on this day that the earth repents, it turns around, and begins to tilt back towards the sun. The light is coming. 

Dear reader, please enjoy this breath prayer for Advent to help you Reclaim the Sacredness of the Season…

Preparation: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Follow the video guide below or do this on your own. 

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Begin with a few minutes of mindful breathing. Pay attention to your breath, inhaling and exhaling naturally. This helps calm the mind and bring your attention to the present moment.

Inhale: The light shines in the darkness

Exhale: and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)