Our breath is the source of life for us. When we prayerfully focus on our breath we become aware of the Holy Spirit breathing within us. Visualising our breath moving to the various parts of the body also helps us to relax and be present to the living presence of God’s Word.
The Leader now begins this prayer exercise by inviting the group to become aware of their breathing
Be aware of your breath being drawn in ………. and now breathing out ……………………… do this three or four time times ……….. breathe in ….. breathe out ……………
Now visualise your breath as a colour, white, golden, blue or green and be aware of this coloured breadth being drawn up through your nostrils, flowing down into your lungs and then being exhaled ……………..
We repeat the same action of breathing in ….….… and breathing out ….….…
This time as you breathe in …….….… be aware that it’s the breath of the Holy Spirit……….. God’s breath of new life ….… that you are drawing deep within you … …….… and as you exhale you are letting go all your fears or negative thoughts and feelings. ….….….…
Breathe in 1 -2 -3 -and breathe out slowly ….… feel the breath of the Holy Spirit flowing through your whole being ….….…
Do not be concerned if other thoughts come into your mind, merely allow them to pass. Focus on the colour of your breath entering and leaving your body. This breath is bringing you God’s peace ………..… renewing ……..…… and ……..… anointing you ….….…
Now feel the peace of Christ flowing ….….…
As you relax your whole body ….… feel the Spirit of God moving within you. Imagine a channel of light glowing above you… now it is overshadowing your mind … moving over your face … eyelids … jaw … neckline … shoulders … chest… hips … thighs … legs … and arms. …
A warm presence is surrounding you as you relax and let go all your tensions by slowly surrendering yourself into the presence of God’s love …..…
God’s love is now totally enveloping you in a cloud of grace ….… and you are resting and floating within this cloud as it slowly rises from the ground …… leaving all your anxious thoughts and fears behind. ………
This cloud of grace is comforting you …..… reassuring you…..… do not to be afraid … … God is with you. … … … Experience the peace of God. ………..
Now you are beginning to feel drowsy in this cloud of grace …….… your mind is slowing down …..… and you are now floating toward Jesus on the horizon. …..…
Imagine the rays of light beaming from His heart towards you …..… bask in those rays ……. feel the warmth and love of those rays touching you and drawing you towards the heart of Jesus.
As the rays draw you into Christ’s presence ….… begin to repeatedly pray your Heart word:
Come Holy Spirit. ………
Slowly repeat the heart word again over and over again: Come Holy Spirit. …… Come Holy Spirit …… Come Holy Spirit. ……….
Continue to rest in the heart of Jesus….… enjoying the presence of nothingness,..… … and keep praying :Come Holy Spirit as you gaze upon the image of Jesus for the next five minutes. ………………………………
Now gently open your eyes and become aware of your surroundings and give thanks to God by praying The Our Father. …….
Prayer Comment:
Some prayer days you will feel yourself becoming drowsy. Do not fight those feelings, just go with the flow. Allow yourself to drift off to sleep. Jesus looks at the intention of your heart when you pray. Sometimes, He ministers to us in this very relaxed and drowsy state, which St. Teresa of Avila called the ‘prayer of quiet.’
Other times it may be that we are just being lazy and falling asleep when we are at prayer. Don’t worry about the outcome; leave it in God’s hands. Persevere by making yourself available to God so He can infuse your heart with His love.