Overview

Cancer patients and people with chronic illness face many challenges that can be frightening and painful. Often they feel alone and scared. These simple prayers can help them connect with the presence of God, encourage them, and give them strength and hope in times of distress. Breath prayers are short prayers, usually based on Scriptures, that help people be aware of God's presence. They remind the person praying of who God is and how much God cares for them. They are easy-to-recall two-part phrases that are prayed in rhythm with a person's breathing. Breath prayers can be prayed anywhere-in a doctor's office, surgery, an infusion center, a scanning machine or anywhere else a patient goes. Breath prayers can also help care givers and friends who walk alongside someone battling cancer, both to provide support for the patient and to uplift and encourage themselves. Once you are comfortable with this method of praying, the Holy Spirit can bring appropriate phrases to mind which address the particular situation you are facing.