“God when you created the world, you breathed new life into creation. As students return to school this week, be with them through their breath. If the school day feels overwhelming or confusing, remind each of us that we can focus on our breath.”

I shared those words of prayer on Sunday at Camp Sloper during the Blessing of the Backpack tags and stickers. Focusing on our breathing is an ancient practice to connect with God.

Recently, I switched over to an Apple watch after using a more traditional Fitbit fitness tracker for many years. One of the new (to me) features I appreciate on the Apple watch are the Breath/Mindfulness reminders.

Throughout the day, I easily become lost in a flurry of emails. Hours can quickly pass staring at a computer screen and, suddenly, my watch will buzz with a reminder to breathe. There is a small notification asking me if I want to focus on my breath for one minute. Even if I am completely interrupted from my work, more often than not, I will click begin and focus on my breath for one minute. I reason to myself that most things can wait one more minute. And I almost always feel better after that one quick break to clear my mind.

Do you have a reminder for yourself to breathe? Maybe every time you walk by the front door, or each time you take the dog out for a walk? Or maybe you don’t even stop whatever you are doing, just focus on your breathing while making breakfast or doing dishes?

God is always with us! If we feel overwhelmed, we can turn inward and call forth God’s presence.

If you are interested in more breath prayers, there is a creative account on Instagram called Liturgies for Parents which regularly posts breath prayers. Usually they share different mantras which you can mentally repeat as you inhale and exhale.

I invite you today to:
Inhale – God’s Peace
Exhale – God’s Love

This devotion was first shared via email to members of First Congregational Church of Southington on September 10, 2020.