Have you ever tried to practice the Jesus Prayer?

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Have you ever tried to practice the Jesus Prayer?

Monday, May 11, 2015
Jeff Lampl

 

Scripture

"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road.  When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening.  They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by.  So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”                                                   Luke 18:35-38 (NLT) 
 

Reflect

Fr. Dn. Charles Joiner shares his thoughts on one of the most practiced prayers in Christian history, the “Jesus Prayer”  

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”  

“This prayer has the potential to transform your consciousness and bring you closer to God. It is a prayer rooted deeply in the tradition of the Church. It is a prayer to be repeated over and over, many times. You can begin to develop the use of this prayer by incorporating a number of repetitions in your daily prayer rule. It is a simple prayer and you can learn to say it everywhere and at any time. In fact, your aim should be to make it an unending prayer. In this way your whole life becomes a life of prayer.  

Recognize, however, that this prayer is incredibly difficult to practice even though it seems to be very simple. In its practice, you continually recite it so that it permeates your heart and focuses your mind, predisposing you to follow God’s will instead of your own ego-directed will.  

Start by repeating it for ten minutes in the morning or evening. Begin by saying it out loud or at least by moving your lips. Eventually you will repeat it mentally, but start with a verbal prayer. Add more repetitions, slowly building up the time you are able to concentrate on the prayer. When your mind wanders, bring it back to the prayer. Concentrate, but do not be harsh on yourself. This is not something you will master with your self-will. Ask God to help you conquer the restlessness of your mind. With persistence, humility and patience, the practice of this prayer will prepare you for God’s grace to work actively within you.”


Prayer

                  “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”  

Conclude with Silence   (2 minutes)

 
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