The Jesus Prayer

Posted by admin in Baptist, Catholic, Featured | 89 comments

The Jesus Prayer

Sep 15, 2010

In 2010, a little known 2000 year old Christian prayer became the subject of a documentary and book. The book was Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer. The Jesus Prayer is an ancient mystical prayer used as a form of contemplative meditation. It calls for a person to enter into deep solitude and develop an awareness of one’s inner faith through identifying with God. By saying the Jesus Prayer, a person is helped to dispense of the limiting beliefs that hinder reaching the core of divine love, or, humility. While practicing the prayer, people are confronted with their own resistances and hidden judgments. And, they are able to release old paradigms, that hinder them from entering into the realization, that returning to a spiritual core, requires only faith, vigilance, letting go of distractions, and developing the patience to reach that state of humility.

The Jesus Prayer, also known as the Prayer of the Heart, is believed to have originated in the Egyptian Desert in the 5th century AD. The Jesus Prayer is also said to be the first prayer practiced by the Apostles. The prayer was advocated by the Apostle Paul and is considered to be a response to 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”, whereas the Publican prays correctly in humility, saying “Lord have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:10-14). Saint Theophan also held the prayer in high regard over other prayers because it contained the holy name of Jesus. (cable internet bundles)

Historically, the prayer was taught in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the 20th century, the prayer was adopted by other churches such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and protestant churches.
When people practice the Jesus Prayer in their daily life, they pray the words repeatedly with the aid of a prayer rope. One repetition of the prayer is said on each knot of the rope. Sometimes prostrations or the sign of the cross is performed at intervals along the rope when saying the prayer. It is recommended that the prayer is said for 10 to 15 minutes in the morning. It is also recommended to say the prayer during times of extreme concern or upset.
When using the prayer as a form of meditation, synchronization of breathing is used. The person breaths in while calling out to God (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God) and breaths out while praying for mercy (have mercy on me, a sinner). The only prerequisite for using the prayer is that you abide by the ten commandments, belong to a church, and practice the prayer with a teacher.
Practicing the Jesus Prayer will impart an experience of peace of soul, spiritual joy, purification of thought, and gratitude toward God. There is also the development of gratitude for life’s blessings, and the willingness to make room for the mercies of God.

89 comments

  1. Randy Kato / July 25, 2011

    This is a very interesting article. I have been involved in church and raised a Christian, and I have never heard of this “Jesus Prayer.” I look forward to reading the book you recommended about it.

    Reply
  2. Roger Barnhart / July 25, 2011

    I use the Jesus Prayer often to help me with my anxiety disorder. I find that the repetition and breathing help me to stay calm and collected.

    Reply

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