Breath Prayer: Simple Calling

Listen to Luke 9:1-5 and keep it simple with this Breath Prayer: Simple Calling.

For more on the theme Simple Calling, see page 132 of With God in Every Breath by Whitney R. Simpson.

Transcript

Welcome And Settle In

SPEAKER_00 0:02

Hi, I'm Whitney, and you're listening to Exploring Peace Meditations. I'll invite you to take a moment and release any distractions as you settle into your space, finding a seated or reclined posture in which you can breathe, center, and be.

Where To Find More Resources

SPEAKER_00 0:24

As you take this moment to settle in, I'll remind you that you can always find more podcasts just like this one at exploringpeace.com slash podcast or wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. You can find my books at whitney rsimpson.com.

Theme And Scripture Reading

SPEAKER_00 0:50

Today's meditation theme, Simple Calling, comes from my book, With God in Every Breath. Now that you've found a moment to settle in, I'll invite you to listen to this passage from the message, Luke chapter 9, verses 1 through 5. It says, keep it simple. Jesus now called the twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God's kingdom and heal the sick. He said, Don't load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple. You are the equipment. You are the equipment.

Breath Practice With God’s Name

SPEAKER_00 1:47

In this moment, I'd like to remind you that you have everything you need to connect with the healing and wholeness that God has gifted you. Hear God whisper to you today, you have everything you need. You have everything you need. And so with this simple reminder, we'll engage a simple practice. I'd invite you to welcome a name for God that feels encouraging, comforting. Maybe it is simply God, creator, healer, spirit. Take a moment and begin to breathe in that name of God silently. Just on your full inhalation as you breathe in through your nose, expanding the chest and the belly. Welcome that name of God on the inhale. For the next few breaths, just repeat that. Inhaling a name of God that feels right today, a name that you can call upon.

Guided Repetition And Deepening

SPEAKER_00 3:30

And on your next exhale as you breathe out through your nose or mouth. Allow the full exhalation, all the breath to leave the body. And offer these words to yourself as you exhale. I have everything I need. It's as if you are aware, affirmed, known in this moment, as if you can remind yourself what God wants you to know. I have everything I need. Now let's put these together, inhaling your name of God, and exhaling this reminder to yourself. I have everything I need. Inhaling your name of God. Repeat this a few times. Inhaling your name of God, exhaling this reminder, I have everything I need. Breathe in your name as if God's whispering it to you today. And then exhale, you have everything you need as if God is speaking over you, reminding you. Inhale your name. Exhale, you have everything you need. Repeat this practice, allowing God to speak over you as if you're hearing God whisper your name on the inhale, and you have everything you need on your exhale.

Closing Prayer And Sending Peace

SPEAKER_00 6:55

Healing God, help us not overcomplicate our journeys with you. Meet us in the simple and miraculous practice of following you today and knowing that what we have is enough. Help us let go of what gets in the way. And help us listen. Be breathe. Help us keep it simple and know that you have given us everything we need. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Carry this reminder into your day, breathing fully and deeply, connecting with God and yourself, and remembering that you have everything you need. Until next time, may God's peace be with you.