The Breath Prayer

In writing this prayer as a meditative and contemplative practice, with the belief that we are connected by the same Spirit, the hope is that this prayer is a gift that comes from something greater than the writer, written specifically for the community of All Saints. 

The writer wishes to acknowledge the influence, inspiration and learning from Cole Arthur Riley's work, particularly in light of her publications, and with consciousness of differences in whakapapa and privilege. The breath prayer is directly cited from Cole's writing, and some of the lines bear close resemblance to prayers of hers the writer has read and prayed.

Julie Frew

God of creativity and tenderness,

Let us not become numb to suffering. 

The world is full of injustice, and though 

we can feel insignificant in the face of such anguish and pain, 

help us not to turn away, nor to disconnect.

But teach us, O God, to bear witness

and transform our empathy to compassion 

through the prism of Your Love.

Sustain us, O God, so that we can be moved to relieve the suffering of another

in any small way we can, 

without growing weary or hopeless.

Remind us that our healing

is bound up in one anothers.

God of Beauty, awaken our senses

so that we might be nourished by the glimmers 

of Your Spirit

within us,

around us,

and between us.

Allow the smell of rain, the glittering fractals of frost,

the rhythm of the ocean, and

the splendour of the stars

to re-root us to You:

our origin and our anchor.

Let us learn to turn to wonder 

as a liberation practice.

Where creativity has become revolutionary

and rest has become a form of resistance -

let us joyfully reclaim these practises 

which You instilled at the beginning of time. 

Help us not to succumb to consuming,

only ever skimming the surface,

knowing not how to create

nor to rest.

Lead us out from cycles of overwhelm

or disconnection, 

and into the grace of Your presence.

For those among us who are weary or hurting,

or find themselves too depleted to create,

may the beauty of Your creation

nourish and restore their souls.

May we make space for grief

and hope.

Help us all to hold onto visions of justice and hope.

Guide our instinct

and our imaginations

as we do this.

May our intentions match our attention

and may we be intent on seeking You.

May we find you in the ordinary and mundane,

as much as in the extraordinary and significant.

Where our faith has ossified

or become rigid

Soften us, O God.

Where we have missed the sound of Your voice

because our fear of change or otherness,

or loss of control,

or privilege,

has been too loud -

Forgive us.

When anger has filled us

Remind us that anger rises from our urge

to protect.

Help us to protect what is good and true

and let go of what is not ours to hold.

God, renew us as we gather in Your Name

so that we may go out

and be your heart and hands.

Let Your Spirit flow through us

like water.

Set us in motion,

and lead us to stillness.

Fill us with strength,

and tenderness.

taking a moment to notice your body,

this clay home for your soul,

and your breath -

this thread of Life

that connects you

to your body

to each other

and to every living thing

on each in-breath

I pause to behold

on each out-breath

My soul steadies

Āmine.