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You can watch the video HERE.
Leader: Over the course of the past six weeks of Lent, we’ve been reading through Mark’s gospel from the beginning to the end, a practice that we’ll be continuing tonight. But we’ve also been exploring different spiritual practices that can help us to “be still and know that God is God.” Tonight, we will be experiencing the story of Jesus’ betrayal, trials, crucifixion, death, and burial alongside the ancient tradition of Breath Prayer.
Simply put, a breath prayer is a brief, repeated petition to God that is connected to the rhythm of your breath. Science has shown that intentional breathing has an objective calming effect on the body and mind – breath prayer takes that a step further to engage the spirit as well. We exist because of the breath that God has breathed into us – also known as ruach, pneuma, or spirit – so breathing is the most basic way that we have to connect back with the divine.
A breath prayer is an unobtrusive way to create sacred space anywhere, anytime. It consists of two parts: an inhale during the first phrase of the prayer, and an exhale during the second. It’s most effective when done silently, so that you can focus on uniting your thoughts with your breath. A breath prayer can be based on scripture, or you can choose your own words – just make sure to keep it simple.
During this meditation, we’ll intersperse our scripture readings with space for you to practice breath prayer, using the words that will appear on your screen. You’ll have the opportunity to pray using your own words at the end, but of course, you’re welcome to pray whatever is on your heart at any time.
In a moment, we’ll be moving from our chapel space, where we held Maundy Thursday worship last night, into our sanctuary space, where we will ultimately celebrate the resurrection on Sunday, but I invite you to find a space in your home where you feel calm and comfortable so that you can fill your whole body with breath and prayer. Let us, then, settle in to hear once again this ancient story.
- Jesus is arrested – Mark 14:43-52
- "God of love,/grant us peace."
- Trial before the Sanhedrin – Mark 14:53-65
- "Great I Am,/come in glory."
- Peter’s betrayal – Mark 14:66-72
- "Merciful Christ, forgive my faithlessness."
- Trial before Pilate – Mark 15:1-15
- "Lead us not/into temptation."
- Jesus is mocked and crucified – Mark 15:16-27
- "Grant in me/a Spirit of repentance."
- Jesus’ death – Mark 15:29-39
- "Do not forsake us,/Most Holy One."
- Jesus’ burial – Mark 15:40-47
- Take a moment to create your own breath prayer – as you dwell in this story, what is your heart crying out to God for?
- If you’re at a loss, pray the oldest known breath prayer, based on Mark 10:47, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”
- Your own prayer
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