Older adults from several California churches and other communities have been discovering the wonders of a time of contemplative prayer and reflection which we call "Walk the Walk: Breathe a Prayer."

Meeting in groups, they are offered a list of mostly biblical short prayers, from which they select one for this exercise. Example: "I am with you always." Each participant is invited to walk alone (or sit alone if walking is not comfortable), breathing the phrase over and over again. Linking prayer to the breath cycle is an ancient practice that has been lost in our modern lives.

They then come together and may share their experiences if they wish. It is hoped they will carry this prayer with them as they return home, beginning each morning, breathing the prayer and continuing the practice throughout the day. Many participants have indicated they discovered a deepening awareness of the Spirit's presence as a result of breathing their short prayers.

In my own case, I have also discovered healing values in this way of life. I believe my recovery from cancer over the past twelve years was linked, in substantial measure, to a contemplative life based on repeatedly breathing short prayers.

Participants often find this lifestyle transforming. In my own case, one unforgettable morning in 1978, I carried to the Santa Barbara, California, beach a copy of Time magazine describing millions of abandoned children in Brazil. Walking along the beach, I prayed one of the short prayers, "Bless the Lord, o my soul, bless his holy name." Suddenly and quietly, a sense of my own responsibility for those children arose in my soul. My wife, Dixie, and I then studied the Portuguese language at the University of California and flew off to Brazil. The next thirty years were dedicated to a mission, called Sister Families.

Now, in my retirement years, I am dedicating my time and energy to working with older adult groups to help them enter into the power of "Breathing a prayer." We call this ministry Companions in Prayer. If you would like to have a retreat in your area, please send an e-mail to SilenceSeekers@cox.net or give me a call at 805-895-2242. No fee is charged for this ministry.

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