Introducing Breath Prayers: A New Way to Pray with Dwell

In a world that moves at breakneck speed, finding moments of peace and connection with the Lord through prayer can be a challenge. And while we at Dwell are firm believers in set times of prayer that anchor the rhythms of our days, we also long to encounter the Lord in the holy, ordinary moments of everyday life. It is in this spirit that we are pleased to introduce a new category of guided content on Dwell: Breath Prayers.

Rooted in an ancient Christian practice, Breath Prayers offers a unique and deeply personal prayer experience. This practice echoes St. Paul's exhortation to "pray without ceasing," inviting believers to weave prayer seamlessly into the fabric of their daily lives.

Breath Prayers are a guided prayer experience that combines the words of Scripture with the rhythm of our breathing. This method of prayer is not just about reciting words; it's about synchronizing the soul's deepest yearnings with every inhale and exhale. By marrying our breath with prayer, we create a rhythm that allows for continuous, intimate communication with God. Furthermore, it is a way to pray, not only with our minds but with our whole selves, embracing an incarnational and embodied approach to our communion with Christ.

The Breath Prayers content in the Dwell App is a carefully curated journey that guides users through this meditative practice. The experience begins with a warm welcome from the guide, setting the tone for the rest of the experience. Following this, a brief explanation introduces the concept and prepares the heart and mind for what is to come.

The core of the Breath Prayers experience is the actual practice of prayerfully aligning the words of Scripture with our breath. For example, drawing from Matthew 6:19-21, participants may be invited to breathe in with the prayer, "Jesus, you are my treasure," and breathe out with, "My heart belongs to you." This simple yet profound act of breathing in and out the words of Scripture helps to internalize the message, aligning our spirit with God's Word.

Drawing inspiration from our Dwell Daily music, Breath Prayers also feature an original musical score, with the soundtrack tailored to each experience, creating a perfect atmosphere for reflection and a deeper connection with the prayer.

Breath Prayers are more than a novel way to engage with Scripture; they are a tool for spiritual growth that have been practiced by Christians since the earliest days of the faith. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our connection with God can unintentionally become sporadic. Breath Prayers offer a way to reclaim these moments, turning even the most mundane activities into opportunities for prayer and reflection.

This practice is also a powerful reminder of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. As we synchronize our breathing with prayer, we are reminded that God's spirit is as close and essential as the air we breathe.

New Guides!

With the launch of Breath Prayers on Dwell, we're thrilled to introduce two new guides to our lineup, with more to follow!

Trevor Hudson

Trevor Hudson is an ordained minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. After spending forty years doing pastoral ministry in a local congregation, he now gives his time to lecturing, teaching, and writing in the areas of spiritual formation and spiritual direction. Throughout his life as a pastor and teacher, he has sought to prioritize the discipleship ministry of local congregations, build bridges across different "streams" within the Christian community, and relate spiritual formation to daily life within the context of our suffering world.

Victory Boyd

Victory Boyd is a 29-year-old soul and folk artist who hails originally from Detroit, Michigan.

In 2016 a gentleman by the name of Jeymes Samuel discovered Victory and sent a video of her singing in Central Park to Hip-hop Mogul Jay-Z who was impressed by Victory’s talent. Jay-Z personally signed Victory and her family in 2016. In 2019 Victory was recognized by Kanye West for her prolific writings on her album The Broken Instrument. Kanye asked Victory to help him create his first Gospel Album entitled Jesus is King. Victory agreed and successfully penned the majority of the lyrics on 2 songs that made the final album, taking Victory to becoming a Grammy Award-winning songwriter.

Victory opened her dream studio in 2020 and called it The Secret Place, named after Psalm 91:1. It was in The Secret Place in the middle of the Pandemic that Victory wrote and recorded her sophomore album entitled “Glory Hour," which was released worldwide in Spring 2023.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Breath Prayers is its accessibility. Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, this practice offers a simple yet profound way to deepen your relationship with God. Whether you are looking for a new method of prayer, struggling with traditional forms of prayer, or simply seeking a moment of peace in a chaotic world, Breath Prayers can be a powerful resource.

Breath Prayers on Dwell are more than just an addition to our library of content; they are an invitation to experience prayer in a transformative way. They encourage us to slow down, to breathe, and to find God in the simplicity and profundity of everyday life. As you explore this form of prayer, may the Lord meet you in a new and profound way, drawing near even as you and I draw near to him.

PRAY NOW WITH BREATH PRAYERS ON DWELL