The Jesus Prayer
The purpose of the Jesus prayer is to calm the mind, reduce unwanted thoughts and bring you into the presence of God. It is recommended not as a replacement but an enhancement to other spiritual practices such as reading holy writings and attending services and discussion groups.
“Ceaseless prayer is to call upon the name of God always,
whether a man is conversing, or sitting down, or walking, or making something, or eating,
whatever he may be doing, in all places and at all times, he ought to call upon God’s name.”
“Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”
The Jesus Prayer is a short, formulaic prayer esteemed and advocated within the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches. It is, for the Orthodox, one of the most profound and mystical prayers and is often repeated endlessly as part of a personal ascetic practice.
In a modern context the continuing repetition is regarded by some as a form of meditation, the prayer functioning as a kind of mantra. Anyway, it is not a mantra or magic formula, but a prayer. The Jesus Prayer according to numerous Church Fathers is “essential” to our spiritual growth.
The Jesus Prayer proclaims our faith and humbles us by asking mercy for our sinfulness. The Jesus Prayer is thought to be as old as the Church itself.
This is very powerful prayer. If you feel you have lost your peace of mind, or your mind is troubled, or if you need forgiveness, in these cases this prayer gives you a peace of mind, it calms down your restless heart and bring you mercy.
The Jesus Prayer: A Profound History and Application Subtitle: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”
Introduction:
The Jesus Prayer, encapsulated by the words “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” holds a prominent place within Christian spirituality. With its roots tracing back to the early days of the Eastern Orthodox Church, this prayer has endured throughout centuries, touching the hearts of countless believers and serving as a powerful means of connection with the Divine. This comprehensive exploration delves into the rich history, spiritual significance, and practical application of the Jesus Prayer, shedding light on its profound impact on individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God.
I. Historical Origins and Development:
A. Early Origins: The Jesus Prayer finds its roots in the rich traditions of the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the fourth-century Christian ascetic movement. These early Christian hermits sought a solitary life devoted to prayer and contemplation, and it was within their ascetic practices that the seed of the Jesus Prayer was sown.
B. Influence of the Philokalia: The Philokalia, a collection of spiritual texts compiled in the 18th century, played a pivotal role in the preservation and popularization of the Jesus Prayer. This anthology of writings from various Eastern Christian mystics and monastics emphasized the power of the Jesus Prayer as a means of spiritual transformation and communion with God.
II. Theological Significance:
A. Christological Understanding: The Jesus Prayer embodies a profound Christological understanding, affirming Jesus as the Lord, the Anointed One, the Son of God, and acknowledging His role as the source of mercy and forgiveness. Through this prayer, believers recognize their own sinful nature and their dependence on Christ’s grace and salvation.
B. Invocation of the Holy Name: At the heart of the Jesus Prayer lies the invocation of the Holy Name of Jesus. By repetitively uttering His name, believers seek to draw closer to the presence of Christ, inviting His divine mercy and experiencing a deep sense of intimacy and communion with Him.
III. Spiritual Practice and Application:
A. The Breath Prayer: The Jesus Prayer is often practiced as a breath prayer, where the words are synchronized with one’s breathing. Inhaling corresponds with the internal recitation of “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God,” while exhaling is aligned with “have mercy on me, a sinner.” This rhythmic repetition facilitates focus, stillness, and the cultivation of a contemplative state.
B. Continuous Prayer and the Hesychastic Tradition: In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Jesus Prayer is considered a form of continuous prayer. Inspired by the teachings of hesychasm, practitioners aim to internalize and repeat the prayer ceaselessly, allowing it to permeate their entire being and transform their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
C. Prayer of the Heart: The Jesus Prayer serves as a prayer of the heart, where the focus is shifted from the intellect to the center of one’s being—the spiritual heart. This prayer penetrates deep into the soul, opening channels of grace, awakening the presence of God within, and fostering inner transformation.
IV. Personal Transformation and Divine Union:
A. Healing and Transformation: The Jesus Prayer serves as a vehicle for healing and transformation, addressing the brokenness and woundedness of the human condition. Through the repeated invocation of Christ’s name and the acknowledgment of one’s sinfulness, believers experience a profound sense of repentance, forgiveness, and liberation.
B. Union with God: As practitioners persist in the practice of the Jesus Prayer, they are drawn into a deeper union with God. The prayer becomes a conduit for divine grace, leading to the purification of the heart, illumination, and ultimately, theosis—the transformative process of becoming united with the divine nature.
Conclusion:
The Jesus Prayer, encapsulating the words “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” stands as a powerful and time-honored prayer within the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Its historical origins, theological significance, and practical application make it a potent tool for spiritual growth, fostering intimacy with Christ, and inviting divine mercy and transformation. As believers engage in the repeated invocation of this prayer, they embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, repentance, healing, and ultimately, union with the Divine.
“Lord God, have mercy on this sinner”
Gary, uses this variation of the prayer every day, continually. He came across it in a Russian movie called “The Island”. Well worth a watch, it relays the life story of a monk. It would also be helpful to read “the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence and “The Way of The Pilgrim”
Jesus Prayer in 24 languages:
Afrikaans: Jesus Christus, Seun van God, ontferm U oor my, ‘n sondaar
Arabic: أيها الرب يسوع المسيح ابن الله, إرحمني أنا الخاطئ
Belarusian: Госпадзе Ісусе Хрысьце, Сыне Божы, памілуй мяне, грэшнага.
Bulgarian: Господи Иисусе Христе, Сине Божий, помилвай мен грешника.
Chinese: 主耶穌基督，上帝之子，憐憫我罪人。
Church Slavonic: Господи Ісусе Христе Сыне Божїй помилѹй мѧ грѣшнаго.
Czech: Pane Ježíši Kriste, Syne Boží, smiluj se nade mnou hříšným.
English: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Finnish: Herra Jeesus Kristus, Jumalan Poika, armahda minua (syntistä).
Georgian: უფალო იესუ ქრისტე, ძეო ღმრთისაო, შემიწყალე მე ცოდვილი.
German: Herr Jesus Christus, Sohn Gottes, erbarme dich meiner, eines Sünders.
Greek: Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱέ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν.
Hindi: यीशु मसीह, परमेश्वर के पुत्र, मुझ पर दया करो, एक पापी
Hungarian: Uram Jézus Krisztus, Isten Fia, könyörülj rajtam, bűnösön!
Italian: Gesù Cristo, figlio di dio, abbi mercé, peccatore
Japanese: 主イイスス・ハリストス、神の子よ、我、罪人を憐れみ給え。
Polish: Panie Jezu Chryste, Synu Boga, zmiłuj się nade mną, grzesznikiem.
Portuguese: Senhor Jesus Cristo, Filho de Deus, tende piedade de mim pecador!
Romanian: Doamne Iisuse Hristoase, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, miluieşte-mă pe mine păcătosul.
Russian: Господи, Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, помилуй мя, грешнаго.
Serbian: Господе Исусе Христе, Сине Божји, помилуј ме грешног.
Slovak: Pane Ježišu Kriste, Synu Boží, zmiluj sa nado mnou hriešnym.
Spanish: Señor Jesucristo, Hijo de Dios, ten piedad de mi, que soy un pecador.
Ukrainian: Господи Ісусе Христе, Сину Божий, помилуй мене грішного.
How to use the Jesus prayer
- First set some time for the practice, we suggest 60 minutes a day
- Then repeat the prayer slowly and audibly
- Slowly reduce it to a whisper until it is only in your mind
- Then slow it further and reduce it to an inner whisper
At first just do the prayer during the practice, then slowly but surly introduce it in all your daily activities.
“Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”
Said in the word format of 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 2
OR
“Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me”
Said in the word format of 1 : 2 : 3 : 4
Alternative Jesus Prayer
Some people do not feel comfortable using “Jesus Christ”, so here is an alternative prayer that will provide the same results
“Lord, have mercy, on me, a sinner
Said in the word format of 1 : 2 : 2 : 2
After using the Jesus prayer as the inner prayer, Gary modified it to the following with amazing results.
“Lord God, I am a sinner, have mercy on me.”
This a Variant used by Gary Eagle on occasion.
It is recommended to repeat this prayer as an incessant interior prayer
The following video gives instruction in the proper use of this interior prayer, the prayer should be carried our as a daily practice starting at an hour a day to start and then increasing to twice a day. The goal is to use this prayer as a tool to bring the presence of God in every part of your waking day and ultimately 24 hours a day.
