Still Waters

Spiritual Practices & Devotionals

CAIM PRAYER
A Celtic Prayer Practice

For Individual Prayer

Draw a circle clockwise around yourself, using the right index finger as you say the prayer; this symbolizes the encircling love of God. Use the shorter form of the prayer so you can memorize it. You can also draw a circle in the sand or dirt, or place white stones (given to the Overcomers in Revelation) in a circle.

Rev 2:17  "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."'  NKJV

For Group Prayer

Encircle the person for whom you’re praying, linking arms/hands and forming an outside ring. Give her a white stone as a remembrance of God’s faithfulness and protection and of this prayer from her group.  

Prayer

Circle (name), Lord
Keep comfort near and discouragement afar.
Keep peace within and turmoil out.
Keep protection near and danger afar.

Circle (name), Lord
Keep hope within and despair without.

Circle (name), Lord,
Keep healing within and sickness without.

Circle (name), Lord
Keep peace within and anxiety without.

Circle (name), Lord
Keep light near and darkness afar.

May the peace of all peace be yours tonight,
To shield you, (name), on every side.

In the name of the eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Amen

Breath Prayers

A Breath Prayer is a short prayer that can be said or thought in a single breath. The Hebrew word “ruach” signifies both “breath” and “spirit.” A breath prayer, when used over time, can help us to experience what it means in Romans 8:26-27 for “the Spirit to pray in us.”

Here’s a way to develop your own breath prayer: Imagine Jesus standing in front of you, asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?” Go deep inside yourself and allow your response to emerge from that place of profound hope and desire.

If several things emerge, try to identify the root desire beneath all the others. Now identify a name that you normally use for God in prayer. It might be Lord, Jesus, Shepherd, Spirit,  Father. Find your name for the divine being.

Combine your desire with your name for God in a single short phrase that flows easily in your mind. The entire prayer should be no longer than six to eight syllables. You may need to experiment with phrasing to find a comfortable rhythm. The chart below will help you create a personalized Breath Prayer with your name for God and your desire.

Sit quietly and repeat the phrase gently in your mind for several minutes. Allow the prayer to take on the shape of your breathing so that the words accompany your every breath.  Inhale and exhale. Let the rhythm of breathing draw you into a deeper communion with God.
Take a walk, repeating your prayer while you move. Note how the prayer shapes your perceptions. Allow the prayer to accompany the rhythm of your walking and your breathing. In this way, the prayer becomes part of your being and you practice the presence of God in a new way.

The Breath Prayer Circle is a tangible prayer tool that assists you in staying focused during prayer meditation. It’s a small circle of wooden beads with a cross. Start and end your prayer with the cross through which the love of God is given to you. As you hold each bead, repeat your breath prayer until you have completed the circle. The synchronized breathing and repetition calm your spirit as the words speak your desire to God. In so doing, your soul comes into harmony with the heart of God.

This prayer can be carried with you through the day, It is a good companion for solitary activities like doing chores, for frustrating times like sitting in traffic jams and for rhythmic exercises like running, swimming or bicycling. In the night when you are feeling anxious, you can reach for the Breath Prayer Circle and use it to center your thoughts on the God who loves you and is present with you always.