How to Use Breath Prayer in the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a bustling place, the heart of the home — but it can also serve as a place to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and meet with God. My own kitchen started to feel like a sanctuary when I incorporated one simple practice into my food preparation: breath prayer. 

Breath prayer is as simple as it sounds: a short prayer, typically consisting of two phrases. Speak one on the inhale, the other on the exhale. And you don’t even have to speak these words aloud! Simply allowing your heart to meditate on Scripture or truth about God is a great way to connect with God even when you can’t quite find your own words. Breath prayer connects the rhythms of your day to God and shows you that even the simplest bodily functions can hold profound meaning. Even your breathing, the rhythm of your chest rising and falling, can be an act of prayer. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, try a favorite Scripture passage. Here are a few I return to again and again.

When anxiety strikes, I remember John 14:27:

INHALE: Peace I leave with you.

EXHALE: My peace I give to you.

When I need strength and help, I breathe Psalm 46:2: 

INHALE: God is our refuge

EXHALE: and our strength.

When I’m weary, I recall Matthew 11:28: 

INHALE: Come to me.

EXHALE: I will give you rest.

If someone I love is grieving, I meditate on Psalm 34:18:

INHALE: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

EXHALE: and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

When I need discernment, I pray Proverbs 3:5-6: 

INHALE: Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

EXHALE: the Lord will make your paths straight.

As I prepare bread for friends, I whisper 1 Peter 4:9-10: 

INHALE: Show hospitality to one another

EXHALE: as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Want to practice meeting God in the kitchen? I’ve created a set of Kitchen Meditations — beautiful cards to display on your counter or windowsill that will prompt you to pray with your breaths as you prepare meals, tidy up, and do the good work of creating life around the table. Get your set here!