Breathe With God: 5 Short Stress-Free Prayers for FamiliesSample

Life can feel so heavy sometimes, can't it?

Maybe you're facing challenges that seem impossible, decisions about your family that feel overwhelming, or the relentless pace of your day-to-day life is wearing you down. When the weight feels too much, it's easy to believe you need to keep pushing through—relying on your own strength to make it all work. But what if you don't have to?

Breath prayer offers a simple way to turn toward God in those moments when you're at your limit. At its core, this prayer is about simplicity, not perfection or length.

One of the most well-known breath prayers comes from Mark 10, where we find the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man crying out to Jesus as He passes by. His words are both desperate and faith-filled:

"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47 ESV)

In his desperation, Bartimaeus captures something profound. He doesn't offer a long, polished prayer. He simply cries out for mercy from the One he knows can save him. And Jesus heals his sight.

This prayer has often been called "The Jesus Prayer" or "the prayer of the heart" and dates all the way back to the 3rd or 4th centuries.

It’s shortened even further to a breath prayer of just two words: Jesus. Mercy.

These words simplify the cry of our hearts, even when we don’t have the breath—or the energy—for anything more.

Wherever you feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, or like you’ve reached your limit, God’s strength can meet you there. His mercy fills the gaps when your abilities or resources end, but your needs keep on going. When you feel like you don't have enough patience, wisdom, or energy—He is more than enough.

Take a moment to consider:

• Where am I trying to rely on my own abilities?
• What weight am I carrying that I need to hand over to God?
• How can I rest in God’s mercy and strength today?

Pause for breath, letting this prayer anchor your heart in God’s truth.

As you breathe, picture yourself calling on Him with your most pressing needs. Whisper this prayer or speak it silently in your heart:

Inhale: Jesus
Exhale: Mercy

As you pray, imagine God meeting you with mercy and strength in each breath, filling the places where you feel empty or overwhelmed.

You don’t have to figure it all out.

You don’t have to navigate things alone.

God’s grace is sufficient, His mercy is endless, and His strength will carry you through.

Kid Connection: Let’s Talk About It

“Jesus loves to help us, and we can ask Him for help wherever we need it. Our prayers don’t have to be long or fancy. We can just talk to Him. What's something you need Jesus' help with today?” Pray with your child as either you or they, share that need with God.

Tomorrow, we'll explore how God guides us through life's toughest decisions and carries us when we don't know which way to turn.