Advent 2023

Monday Meditation

Breath Prayer, Monday Meditation for Advent 2023
Written by Rev. Aune Carlson, Senior Director of Operations

Readings:  

Hebrews 3:5-11, 17-19 | Mark 9:42-50; 10:1

Today’s practice is simply known as a breath prayer. The exact words of the prayer are less important than the heart of the one praying the words. The essential elements are to breathe and pray. 

• Find a quiet place.
• Determine a simple phrase to pray. Perhaps from today’s Scriptures. Below are examples from Mark 10:1. 

“Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan.
Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.”

INHALE: Lord, I come to you,
EXHALE: Teach me your ways.

INHALE: Lord, teach me your ways,
EXHALE: Help me to center my thoughts.

INHALE: Teacher, I sit at your feet,
EXHALE: Prepare me for the journey ahead.

As you inhale, silently pray the first half of your phrase.
Pray the second half of your phrase as you exhale.
Try to remain present in your body and your prayer for even a minute to begin.

If you find yourself distracted, simply recenter your thoughts and repeat the phrase. 

After some time has passed, turn your thoughts to our brothers and sisters in the Middle East:

• The mothers and fathers whose children know nothing other than life under occupation. Pray for justice and peace. 
• The faith community leaders in Palestine who carry on in the face of persecution and violence. Pray for justice and peace.
• The organizations and individuals who tirelessly advocate on behalf of those whose voice has been silenced, ignored, and disregarded. Pray for justice and peace.

Close your time of prayer by praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.

About the Author: Aune earned her Masters of Divinity and Masters of Nonprofit Administration and graduate certificates from North Park Theological Seminary and School of Business and Nonprofit Administration. She has previously served Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK) as the Human Resources Manager, the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) as a Communications Project Manager, Director of Youth and Young Adult and Camping Ministries, as well as the Alaska Conference Office of the ECC. She is passionate about creating, defining, and refining structures to operate effectively and efficiently. A collaborative team leader, building a strong team atmosphere where tasks are met with close attention to detail and creativity.