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| The '''Jesus Prayer''', also called the '' |
The '''Jesus Prayer''', also called the ''prayer of the heart'' by some Church Fathers, is a short, simple prayer that has been widely used, taught and discussed throughout the history of ]. The exact words of the prayer have varied, from a simple form such as ] to the more extended "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." A more elaborate version known to some ]s by this name goes: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy." | ||
| The text of this prayer is based on various accounts in the ]s, such as Peter crying out as he sank into the sea, "Lord, save me." To the publican's cry in the Temple, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner". In succinct form, the prayer acknowledges Christ's lordship and confesses the sinfulness of the person praying. The full form is sometimes described as being implicitly ] as well: the Son is addressed explicitly; addressing him as Son acknowledges the Father; and according to Saint Paul's writings in the ], no one can call Christ "Lord" without the aid of the ]. | |||
| ⚫ | The prayer is often said or prayed repeatedly, sometimes with the aid of a ]. As such, is used as a means of concentration, as a means of bringing about mental focus and eventually as a way to "internalize" the prayer, so that one is praying constantly. This is one way to follow Saint Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing". The use of the Jesus Prayer in this way is the subject of the Russian classic ''The Way of a Pilgrim''. | ||
| '''Lord Jesus Christ, The Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner.''' | |||
| The exact words of the prayer have varied, from a simple form such as ] to the more extended version above. The End can be changed depending on if one is alone (Have mercy on me) or in community (Have mercy on us). | |||
| The prayer is reflective of the lesson taught by the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee in which the Pharisee demonstrates the improper way to pray by exclaiming, “Thank you Lord that I am not like the Publican”. While the Publican in humility prays correctly “Lord have mercy on my, the sinner” | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| Unfortunately, in modern times, the dangerous misuse of this technique has become vogue among less traditional Orthodox. This has been brought about by the publication and distribution of the Russian classic ''The Way of a Pilgrim''. This book, while interesting, provides an entirely misleading view. In the past, training in the use of this prayer was restricted to advanced monastics and taught only by experienced elders. Texts such as the Philokalia were likewise restricted and considered only for the advanced. The dangers inherent in attempting to internalize this prayer without proper training and guidance have lead many naifs into self-delusion. There are numerous stories in the Orthodox Church concerning even advanced monks being led astray by this kind of self-delusion. | |||
| While the prayer itself is of great benefit even to laymen, no advanced techniques should ever be attempted without advanced experience and guidance. | |||
| ''See also:'' ]; ] | ''See also:'' ]; ] | ||
Revision as of 01:27, 7 November 2004
The Jesus Prayer, also called the prayer of the heart by some Church Fathers, is a short, simple prayer that has been widely used, taught and discussed throughout the history of Eastern Christianity. The exact words of the prayer have varied, from a simple form such as "Lord, have mercy" to the more extended "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." A more elaborate version known to some Roman Catholics by this name goes: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy."
The text of this prayer is based on various accounts in the Gospels, such as Peter crying out as he sank into the sea, "Lord, save me." To the publican's cry in the Temple, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner". In succinct form, the prayer acknowledges Christ's lordship and confesses the sinfulness of the person praying. The full form is sometimes described as being implicitly Trinitarian as well: the Son is addressed explicitly; addressing him as Son acknowledges the Father; and according to Saint Paul's writings in the New Testament, no one can call Christ "Lord" without the aid of the Holy Spirit.
The prayer is often said or prayed repeatedly, sometimes with the aid of a prayer rope. As such, is used as a means of concentration, as a means of bringing about mental focus and eventually as a way to "internalize" the prayer, so that one is praying constantly. This is one way to follow Saint Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing". The use of the Jesus Prayer in this way is the subject of the Russian classic The Way of a Pilgrim.