Following up the last post on the distraction of thoughts and multitasking and the power of the breath, here's a breathing prayer from Christine Sine's Godspace site (see also Jonny Baker's site in the UK). She uses it in groups and alone. "I suggest that people sit with their hands in their laps," she writes, "palms up while they say the first line and take a deep breath then turn palms down and breathe out as they say the second line."

Breathe in the breath of God

Breathe out your cares and concerns

Breathe in the love of God

Breathe out your doubts and despairs

Breathe in the life of God

Breathe out your fears and frustrations

We sit quietly before the One who gives life and love to all creation,

We sit in awe of the One who formed us in our mother’s wombs

We sit at peace surrounded by the One who fills every fibre of our being

Breathe in the breath of God

Breathe out your tensions and turmoil

Breathe in the love of God

Breathe out your haste and hurry

Breathe in the life of God

Breathe out your work and worry

We sit quietly before the One who gives life and love to all creation,

We sit in awe of the One who formed us in our mother’s wombs

We sit at peace surrounded by the One who fills every fibre of our being