Praying the Jesus Prayer
The Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”, is a pillar of Eastern Christian spirituality and beckons us to answer our call to union with God
What follows is a tract that I wrote for St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church, my home parish, to be used for an evangelization workshop that we hosted.
The Jesus Prayer
This ancient prayer, simple in its words, but profound in its meaning, serves as the gateway to the interior life and an encounter with the Lord. This tract is a simple guide on the meaning of the Jesus Prayer and how to integrate the practice of the Jesus Prayer into daily life.
Scriptural Foundations
At its heart, the Jesus Prayer is a call for mercy directed toward our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This exclamation is rooted in Scripture, as it combines the Christological hymn that St. Paul recounts in his letter to the Philippians (“Jesus Christ is Lord” – Phillipians 2:11), the Lord’s relationship to the Father as described in the Annunciation (“Son of God” - Luke 1:35) and the humility of the Publican’s Prayer (“God, be merciful to me a sinner.” - Luke 18:13). This beautiful, concise prayer encapsulates the entirety of salvation history.
Early Fathers and Monastics
The invocation of Jesus' name is central to this prayer. The early Church Fathers taught that the name of Jesus is our fortress in the midst of the trials we encounter in the world. It is a source of strength in the battle with demons, and an ever-flowing fountain of God’s grace in our lives. In repeating His name, as the Desert Monastics first did, we are reminded of His constant presence in our lives and our unceasing need for His mercy to grow in holiness.
The Way of the Heart
Moving beyond mere recitation, the Lord invites us to participate in the 'prayer of the heart' — a deeply personal, contemplative form of prayer where we are increasingly attuned to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us. This interior journey is about joining our whole heart, soul and mind to the divine life of the Holy Trinity, transcending the limitations imposed by spoken words.
How to Begin
Dedicate a specific time each day for praying the Jesus Prayer. Early mornings or evenings are ideal, as they are away from the inevitable distractions that arise during our active hours. Begin with shorter sessions of around ten to fifteen minutes to get used to the prayer. Gradually extend the time spent in communion with the Lord as you grow more accustomed to inner stillness and silence.
Physical Posture
Physical posture at prayer such as sitting, standing, kneeling, or lying down, depends mostly on our personal preference. What is essential is maintaining our focus on Jesus. The use of the chotki, an Eastern Christian prayer rope, helps keep our mind and heart on the Lord. Many find that breathing with the prayer is also helpful. As one gently breathes in, pray, “Lord Jesus Christ” and as one breathes out, “Have mercy on me”. The purpose of these things is not to focus on technique, but aid us in contemplating the Lord, to abide in His presence.
Integration into Daily Life
The Jesus Prayer is not confined to set prayer times. It can and should be woven into our daily activities. It can be prayed while driving, while washing the dishes, while brushing our teeth. Unceasingly calling on Christ, as St. Paul enjoins us to do, makes our prayer a living, breathing practice that brings us into deeper communion with the Lord at all times and in all places.
Distractions
Distractions are an inevitable part of prayer. When our mind wanders, we should gently and patiently bring our focus back to God. Simply recognize the distracting thought, let it pass, and come back to Jesus. Do not be disappointed or discouraged when distractions occur. Gently dealing with distractions, by not letting them disturb us, helps us cultivate inner silence and attentiveness to God.
Persistence
The Jesus Prayer is far more than the spoken words. It is a journey from the lips to the heart, where prayer becomes the constant disposition of our soul. This takes time, patience, persistence and the grace of God.
Fruits of the Prayer
Consistent practice of the Jesus Prayer nurtures our spiritual growth, fostering the virtues of faith, hope and charity while also purging us of our vices. It transforms not just our spiritual lives, but also our lives in the world, helping us to bring the light of Christ into our interactions with the people around us.
Spiritual Direction
Engaging a spiritual director may be beneficial to one’s spiritual life. Such a person can help us discern what experiences are of God, and which are not. This is very important to avoid self-deception or that of the devil, so to keep us on the right path to God.
Conclusion
The Jesus Prayer is a quintessentially Eastern way to seek union with God. This prayer invites us to practice the presence of God throughout the whole of our lives, not simply while in church or at times set aside for prayer. Its simplicity makes it accessible to all of us. Engaging in the Jesus prayer, we draw ever closer to the heart of Jesus, where all true peace and joy are to be found.