Maybe you’re facing challenges that seem impossible, decisions that feel overwhelming, or the relentless pace of your day-to-day life is wearing you down. When the weight feels too much, it’s easy to believe you need to keep pushing through—relying on your own strength and effort to make it work. But what if you don’t have to?

Breath prayer offers a simple way to turn toward God in those moments, connecting your breath, your body, and your spirit with His presence. At its core, breath prayer is about simplicity. It’s not about the length or eloquence of your prayer—it’s about opening your heart to God in honest dependence.

Mark 10:46-52 NASB1995 Then they *came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they *called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And answering him, Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” And Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.

One of the most well-known breath prayers comes from Mark 10, where we find the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man crying out to Jesus as He passes by. His words are both desperate and faith-filled:

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47)

In his desperation, Bartimaeus captures something profound. He doesn’t offer a long, polished prayer. He simply cries out for mercy from the One he knows can save him. And Jesus heals his sight.

This prayer has often been called “The Jesus Prayer” or “the prayer of the heart” and dates all the way back to the 3rd or 4th centuries.

These words distill the cry of our hearts, even when we don’t have the breath—or the energy—for anything more.

Psalms 86:5 NASB1995 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.

Wherever you feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, or like you’ve reached your limit, God’s strength can meet you there. His mercy fills the gaps when your abilities or resources end, but your needs keep going. When you feel like you don’t have enough…or like you’re not enough…He is more than enough.

Take a moment to consider:

• Where am I trying to rely on my own abilities?
• What weight am I carrying that I need to hand over to God?
• How can I rest in His mercy and strength today?

Hebrews 4:16 NASB1995 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

As you breathe, picture yourself calling on Him with the most pressing needs in your life. Whisper this prayer or speak it silently in your heart as you breathe:

Jesus, mercy.

As you pray, imagine God meeting you with mercy and strength in each breath, filling the places where you feel empty or overwhelmed.

You don’t have to figure it all out.

You don’t have to navigate things alone.

Partner this prayer with your breath for a few exhales, or as long as you need. His grace is sufficient, His mercy is endless, and His strength will carry you through.

Now it’s time to experience how God leads you when you’re overwhelmed or not sure which way to go. That’s where we’re going next.

I had asthma when I was young, and one of my sons is navigating a similar journey. When it’s hard to breathe, we’re taught to breathe deeper. To slow each inhale and further extend the exhale with intentional breaths, often inhaling medication at the same time. I’ve heard similar breathing techniques to calm anxiety, which is why the concept of breath prayer felt natural to me when I first came across it.

It combines the rhythm of your breathing with short intentional prayers, helping you connect with God with your whole self. This practice is wonderfully simple: you repeat two short phrases, one with each inhale and exhale, allowing your prayer to become as natural as breathing.

I’ve come to treasure the way these prayers slow my heart, focus my attention, and remind me of God’s constant presence. So on each day of this plan, I’ll share a new breath prayer with you.

Genesis 2:7 NASB1995 Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Job 33:4 NASB1995 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Psalms 33:6 NASB1995 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB1995 pray without ceasing;

Breath itself is beautifully tied to God. In Genesis, we see God speak the world into existence. Speech, after all, is breath and sound put together. Then, God forms humanity from the dust of the earth, His own exhale giving us life. Let every inhale and exhale remind you of your dependence on Him.

Even God’s name, Yahweh, connects to breath. Many theologians note how our inhaling and exhaling seem to echo the syllables of His name—Yah (inhale) and Weh (exhale).

Breathing is both a reminder to pray without ceasing and also a simple practice of it whenever you notice your breath whispering God’s name. What better way to calm our hearts than to quiet ourselves and breathe, letting our souls align with the God who gave us life?

As you go through your day today, I invite you to practice mindful breathing.

You don’t need elaborate words or perfect focus. Pause for a moment and notice your breath. This seemingly small act—drawing air in and out—is because God has given you life.

As you breathe, reflect on the truth that you are calling on God with each inhale and exhale.

Whisper His name out loud or say it internally as you breathe:

Yahweh.

If words feel too much, just focus on your breathing, knowing that even the rhythm of your breath calls out to Him.

Do this a few times, letting each breath grow slower and deeper. Let this simple one-word prayer remind you of God’s closeness. With each inhale, invite Him closer. With each exhale, release your burdens into His care.

God is near, as close as your next breath, delighting in your presence and your desire to connect with Him.

Tomorrow we’ll explore how His mercy meets us in our greatest needs, and in the most tender ways.

2 Samuel 5:24-25 ESV And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

What do you do when God tells you to wait? Not just wait—but wait for something strange or unexpected? That’s hard, especially when we feel ready, when we’ve seen Him work before, or when we just want to act. Waiting can test our trust like few things can.

David had just won a battle with God’s help. But now, as the enemy returned, God didn’t say, “Do what you did before.” Instead, He gave David a brand-new strategy: wait until you hear the sound of marching in the treetops. That would be the sign that God had gone ahead. Only then should David move.

This is where the story gets even more interesting. God’s out of the box instruction is letting us know that God didn’t want David relying on formulas—He wanted David relying on His presence. He wants the same for us as well. The new plan made it clear that the victory would come from God, not from David’s past experience or human wisdom.

John 14:15 ESV If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

This hits close to home for me. There have been so many moments when I wanted to charge ahead. I thought, “I’ve seen how God moved last time—I know what to do.” But I didn’t pause to ask Him what He wanted now. Other times, I’ve been frustrated by God’s silence, afraid to wait, or distracted by the urgency of the moment. Pride made me believe I already had the answer. And I’ve had to learn—sometimes the hard way—that faith means staying sensitive to the Spirit, not assuming that yesterday’s word is today’s instruction.

Psalm 1:1-2 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 1 tells us the blessed life is one that delights in God’s Word day and night—always listening. Jesus said in John 14:15 that love for Him is shown by obedience. David showed that love through his willingness to wait and follow—even when the method was unfamiliar.

Faith doesn’t just trust what God says—it also trusts how and when He wants to move.

Reflection Questions:

Am I open to God doing something new in my life? Do I trust His leading, even when it doesn’t make immediate sense?

Respond to God’s Word:

Ask the Lord if there’s an area in your life where He’s leading you differently than He has before. Are you waiting for His sign, or trying to move ahead without it? Write down what you sense He’s saying, and commit to follow His voice—not just your expectations.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being a God who speaks in fresh and surprising ways. Forgive me for the times I’ve moved ahead without You, assuming I already knew the plan. Help me to trust Your timing, wait for Your signal, and follow wherever You lead. Teach me to walk in step with Your Spirit—not in my own strength. Amen.

2 Samuel 5:22-23 ESV And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees.

Have you ever had a victory in life—only to face the same challenge again not long after? It’s frustrating. You think, “Didn’t I already fight this battle?” It’s tempting to rely on what worked last time, to skip prayer, and to go with experience. But that’s not what David did.

Even after a clear victory, when the enemy returned, David didn’t rush into action. He went back to God—again. He didn’t say, “I know what to do.” He said, “Lord, what should I do now?” That humility is powerful.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I’ve read in the past that David’s second inquiry shows a rhythm and trend in his life where he deeply depended on God, not just a formula for success. He wasn’t treating prayer like a one-time emergency life line—he had a relationship with the Lord. He knew that yesterday’s word wasn’t enough for today’s decision. He needed fresh guidance.

I’ve been guilty of getting too confident after a win. Sometimes after preaching a great sermon or navigating a family situation well, I’ve assumed I could just do the same thing next time. But I’ve learned that pride can whisper, “You’ve got this,” when I really need to be saying, “God, what do You want now?” Distractions pull me into routine. Frustration says, “Just do what worked before.” But God isn’t looking for robotic obedience—He’s looking for a heart that seeks Him daily.

Psalm 145:18 ESV The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

David models that beautifully. He kept asking. And God kept answering.

John 5:14 ESV Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.”

Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace, again and again. 1 John 5:14 reminds us that when we ask according to God’s will, He hears us. And Psalm 145:18 says He is near to all who call on Him in truth. God is not tired of hearing our prayers—He delights in our dependence.

Reflection Questions:

Do I seek God only when I’m in trouble, or do I seek Him daily—even after success? Am I relying on past experiences, or am I asking God for new wisdom?

Respond to God’s Word:

Think about a recent win or breakthrough in your life. Ask God, “What’s next?” Take a moment to submit even your victories to His direction, and ask for fresh wisdom moving forward.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being patient with me when I lean on experience instead of You. Forgive me for treating success as a reason to skip prayer. Keep my heart humble and teachable. Help me return to You—not just in difficulty, but in every step of my journey. Speak again, and I will listen. Amen.

2 Samuel 5:20 ESV And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.

Have you ever been in a situation where things felt stuck—like no matter what you tried, nothing was changing? Then suddenly, out of nowhere, God made a way? That moment when breakthrough happens is unforgettable—and humbling. Because you know it wasn’t you. It was Him.

That’s what happened to David. After seeking the Lord and receiving direction, he obeyed—and saw a massive victory. But David didn’t take the credit. He didn’t say, “Look what I did.” Instead, he said, “The Lord broke through like a flood.” He gave God all the glory and even named the place Baal Perazim—“The Lord of the Breakthrough.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

Some have pointed out that David’s use of water imagery—“as waters break out”—describes God’s power as limitless, unstoppable, overpowering, and matchless. Just as floodwaters can’t be held back, God moved quickly and powerfully to deliver David. It wasn’t just a win—it was a divine breakthrough.

This challenges me deeply. There have been moments where I’ve faced what felt like spiritual resistance—conflict in ministry, parenting challenges, personal doubt. In some cases, I tried harder, worked longer, and thought more strategically. But none of it worked. And instead of turning to God early, I let distractions take my attention. Pride made me think I could handle it. Frustration kept me spinning my wheels. Only when I stopped striving and started seeking did God move. And when He did, it was like a dam broke.

Psalm 36:5 ESV Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

David’s story reminds me that breakthrough comes from God, not effort. Yes, we play our part—but it’s God who makes the breakthrough happen. His faithfulness is consistent. His timing is perfect. And His power hasn’t changed.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Reflection Questions:

Where do I need a breakthrough in my life or family right now? Have I been trying to fight in my own strength instead of trusting God to move?

Respond to God’s Word:

Write down one area where you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Spend time in prayer, asking God to “break out” like He did for David. Surrender your strategy and invite His power into the situation.

Prayer:

Lord, You are the God of the breakthrough. I thank You for fighting my battles and moving in ways I cannot. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to win without You—when pride or frustration kept me from seeking You. Teach me to trust Your timing and rely on Your strength. I give You all the glory, now and always. Amen.

There are moments and seasons in our life when we can feel utterly helpless, unable to reach out and grab the thing we desire most. Sometimes life has a way of intruding its will upon us without our permission causing conflict, unrest, and pain. The loss of loved ones. The doctors report of sickness. A marriage left in shambles. Not being accepted into this school or job.

“Do you now believe?”Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:31-33

In our gospel passage, Jesus is informing His disciples that He is about to leave. He knew that life is going to get rocky for His followers. It will get so difficult that they will feel scattered like sheep without a shepherd. This all became a reality for them. They faced their leader being crucified, they were chased down by the Roman government, and suffered persecution because of their faith.

In the midst of all of this, I am sure there were times when they remembered what Jesus said, “Take heart, because I have overcome the world.” What does this mean? How does this apply to us?

The Apostle Paul teaches us that because Jesus has overcome the world, we too as believers can be more than conquerors. If God be for us, who can be against us? Victory is ours through Jesus.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:31-39

As Jesus said 2000 years ago, we are going to face many trials. But through His power we can survive it. We can be more than conquerors. The loss we have experienced doesn’t have the final word. The doctors report is not the final word. Life does not always unfold the way we desire it to, but Jesus has made a way for us to be more than conquerors.

The Apostle Paul was convinced that nothing could separate us from the love and victory of God found in Christ Jesus. No death, no sickness, or mistake is strong enough to withstand the victory that is offered in Jesus.

Take Heart! Jesus has overcome the world.

“To pray is to change. Prayer is the central avenue God uses to transform us. If we are unwilling to change, we will abandon prayer as a noticeable characteristic of our lives. The closer we come to the heartbeat of God the more we see our need and the more we desire to be conformed to Christ.” —Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline)

“If your heart hungers for souls to be saved and your nation to be turned to God…then the life of prayer is a must.” —Paul Y. Cho (Prayer: Key to Revival)

We all want to live a life that carries meaning and purpose. We want to see our family thrive in every season regardless of what may come. We want to hear God’s voice and be lead in the right direction for our life. We all desire this. However, intentions are not actions.

It can also be true that we all want these things right now, instantaneously. We want to snap our fingers, say a word, press the button, and it happen exactly as we desire it. This is often a false reality. This is often how we view and see prayer. If I say the magic words then it should happen, right?

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~ James 5:13-16

Prayer, as Richard Foster notes, is the central avenue God uses to transform us and to be changed for the better. This does not occur in an instant moment, but in a gradual, habitual lifestyle of prayer. To pray is to seek God’s heart. To pray is to confess your sins, and share your heart with God. To pray is also to listen and focus on God’s voice through His word.

Where do we find a life that carries meaning and purpose? It’s found in moments of prayer. How do we see our families thrive, persevere, and overcome in every season? It is done through moments of prayer. How do we hear God’s voice and find direction for our life? We hear him in moments of prayer.

The Apostle James understood that, “The earnest prayers of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (5:16b) Prayer is the fuel to a greater spiritual life. It is the difference between life and death in your spirit. Prayer is the power and the key that unlocks victory in your life.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

Reflection Question:

What do I need to give to God today in prayer?

All throughout the Bible we are encouraged to run this race called life. But not to just run, to run well. The healthiest of runners are those who find their rhythm with a steady pace. Pace is the determining factor for finishing well or giving up.

Most people don’t wake up each day with a desire to give up, but there are times where we all wrestle with HOW to keep moving forward. Today may have been one of those days for you. How can I get through this day without giving up and losing myself? We have to find our rhythm.

The Apostle Paul teaches us that we are in a race, but not a race against one another. We are in a race running to the finish line of life, and we all want to finish well.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How Do I Find Rhythm and Maintain Endurance So That I Can Finish Well?

Stop Doing so Much Stuff

It is so easy for us to fall into the trap of doing, leading, and participating in so many things that we lose ourselves. We lose sight of our purpose and goals in attempting to do everything, and the truth is we aren’t good to anyone as a counterfeit version of ourselves. We get caught up in the instant gratification of every new thing, and then realize we did not enjoy any of it because we were focused on the next best thing. Spend time doing things that matter most.

Establish a Rhythm of Rest

An old-time preacher once said, “Sometimes, one of the most spiritual things you can do is take a nap.” Whatever your pace in life may be, it will require rest. Rest will either be forced upon you because you have burnt out and have nothing left to give OR you have set aside time to relax, to be with family, and to enjoy life. You get to decide. There is a reason why God established the Sabbath Day as a Day of Rest. It is God’s desire that we take time to rest.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ~ Hebrews 12:1

Remember, the goal of this life is not to just finish life quickly and in a hurry, but to finish life well. The Apostle Paul urges us to run with endurance that we may obtain the prize.

Reflection Question:

What do I need to stop in my next season?