Breath Prayer: For This New Year

Have you ever felt the pull of a single word that could shape the course of your year? Join me, Whitney, as we embark on a reflective meditation to discover that guiding word. In the tranquil space of this episode, we transcend beyond mere resolutions and invite a meaningful tradition into our lives. Whether the word finds us or we find it, this practice is a beacon, illuminating our intentions, hopes, and the divine invitations of the new year. Together, we'll learn to inhale the sacred and exhale purpose, connecting our deepest selves to the spiritual journey ahead.

As your guide on this meditative voyage, I'll lead you through finding that perfect posture where peace can reside, focusing on the breath that binds us to life, and selecting a name of God that speaks truth to your heart. It's an experience designed not only for those still seeking their word but also for those who've already embraced theirs. Allow this session to be a sanctuary where your chosen word and God's presence meet in a serene exchange. Remember, this community is a haven for continued growth through practices like online yoga and prayer—paths that we can explore together. May you carry the gift of peace with you until we convene again.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:03

Hello and welcome to Exploring Peace Meditations. This is Whitney and I'm so glad you're here today. As we enter a new year, one of my favorite traditions is to choose a word, or allow a word to choose me, whether or not you've practiced this before today, we'll set an intention to breathe in this new year together as we begin. Find a seated posture in which you can have a tall spine, soften your shoulders, lengthen through the crown of your head, allow your eyes to softly close. Begin to notice the rhythm of your breath. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Repeat this at your pace full breath in through the nose, long exhale out through the mouth. Allow your next few breath cycles to be at your pace as you settle your body, settle your mind and settle your spirit With intention.

Speaker 1: 2:27

Today we pray, so we begin by calling upon a name of God that feels right for you. Maybe it's Lord, spirit, jesus, creator, holy One. Your name for God comes upon your heart and mind. Begin to inhale that name of God, breathing it in silently, holding onto it for just a moment at the top of the breath and then exhaling fully In the next few moments of quiet. Simply breathe in your name for God with intention and purpose.

Speaker 2: 4:13

In the next few moments of quiet, simply breathe in your name for God, with intention and purpose.

Speaker 1: 4:33

What are your hopes? What is your intention? What is your longing for this season of life? What is God inviting you? To Take just a moment and listen. If a word has already come to you for this year, just hold space for that now. If you have no idea, that's okay too. Maybe your word is purpose, hope, happy, love, peace, clarity.

Speaker 1: 5:48

Could you pause now and ask God to give you a word for just this prayer, just this moment, whether it's one you've already heard today or a new one that comes upon your heart. Open your hands, your heart and your mind and allow God to offer you a word. I invite you now to come back to the beginning of our meditation, where we inhaled our name of God. Inhale that name now and then exhale a single word, a word that's come to you that you want to offer to God. During this time of prayer, with intention, inhale your name of God, exhale your word. In these next few moments, your word or words may shift. Let them Now, with intention, join me by inhaling a name of God, exhale your word, repeat this in the quiet.

Speaker 2: 8:30

Now, with intention, join me by inhaling a name of God. In these next few moments, your word or words may shift.

Speaker 1: 9:03

God, thank you for the chance to pause with intention at the start of a new year, this new year with you. Help us breathe in your presence. Find us what you have for us, whether the word that rose up today is one that sticks or is one for this prayer time only, we give thanks, for it is with intention that we journey with you. It is our intention to journey close to you, and there's our intention to know you and all we do in our lives. Thank you, god, for giving us breath and life, and each new day and this new year In your holy name, we pray Amen. Thank you for exploring the gift of God's peace with me. If you'd like to connect beyond this podcast meditation, I'd love to have you join our community. You can find out more at exploringpeacecom slash community. I'm really excited to be hosting some online yoga and prayer there this year and I'd love to have you with us. You can find me at Whitney are Simpsoncom. Until next time, may God's peace be with you.