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Day Four

When You Don’t Know What to Pray

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 139

Often, I let myself struggle on my own, when I could invite God or others into those weary moments. What God is most interested in is my dependence and leaving the “how” of provision up to Him. 

One of the ways I remind myself of how God will provide for me is through breath prayers. I consider a breath prayer to be a short phrase or sentence that you can say in the time it takes to breathe in and out. My prayers start with a name for God and then my current need. As Ruth Haley Barton writes in Sacred Rhythms, “The breath prayer helps us pray when we don’t know how to pray.”

Here’s an example of how I use this tool. Long ago there was a time when I had to buckle all four of my boys into the car. With so many kiddos, there was bound to be a protestor in the bunch. The one who arched his back, refusing to let me strap the five-point harness. After firmly pressing his little belly down and securing the buckles, I’d forcefully shut the car door. We hadn’t even left the house and I was frustrated. As I walked from the passenger’s side to the driver’s side around the back of the car, I would pray a simple breath prayer: “Lord, give me peace.” I’d slide behind the steering wheel, take a deep breath, and let the Spirit offer the peace I’d requested. 

Here are some of the breath prayers I use based on Scripture: 

“Father, be my strength. Be with me. Hold me up.” (Isaiah 41:10) 

“Jesus, come quickly.” (Revelation 22:20) 

“Spirit, bring life.” (Romans 8:2) 

“Lord, give me eyes to see how You see.” (1 Samuel 16:7) 

“God, not my will but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) 

“Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) 

“Creator, remind me of my worth.” (Psalm 139:13–16) 

“Spirit, guide and comfort me.” (1 Corinthians 2:7–13) 

In our hardest mom moments, it isn’t that we’re bad moms. It’s that sometimes we reach our human limits spiritually, physically, or emotionally. Inviting God to fill in the gaps, such as through breath prayers and simple requests for help, isn’t weak. It’s an opportunity to deepen your intimacy with Him.

Which one or two breath prayers from those above especially resonate with you today? How could you practice using them to help get you through your weary moments?