Jesus Prayer w/ controlled breathing

[St.Ambrose]

I’ve heard that some use the Jesus prayer with controlled breathing. As a teen I used to do Transcendental Mediation ™ for a while and loved the relaxation it brings. The Church teaches that objectless meditation is a bad thing so I’m hoping that I can practice the Jesus prayer with controlled breathing and relax while focusing on God.

Does anybody know something about how to do this?

 

[St.Ambrose]

I found an article on the web that mentioned praying “Lord Jesus Christ” while inhaling and then “have mercy on me” while exhaling. That should do it.

 

[WhiteDove]

I love the Jesus prayer! I always breathe when I repeat it. The controlled breathing sounds sort of gimmicky though, I think it’s better to focus on the meaning of the prayer. It’s a great meditation!!! Probably your breathing will naturally fall into a rythem, just focus on the prayer. It is very simple and deep, crystalizing our utter supplication to and dependance on our merciful Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[jeffreedy789]

‘I always breathe when I repeat it.’

that’s probably a good idea.

 

[FelixBlue]

You should be able to read about the use of the Jesus Prayer with controlled breathing in the 18th century (?) work the Philokalia.

 

[Pani_Rose]

It is touched on some in “The Way of the Pilgram” . But it also states that one needs a spiritual director to help the guidance with it.

Pani Rose