The Prayer of the Heart

the jesus prayer

Large Icon: Rublev's Christ the Redeemer
(Svenigorod - 1410)
Small Icon: Pantocrater
(Greek - c 1600)

In order to enter more deeply into the life of prayer and to come to grips with St. Paul's challenge to pray unceasingly, the Orthodox Tradition offers
The Jesus Prayer,
which is sometimes called the prayer of the heart.

The Jesus Prayer is offered as a means of concentration, as a focal point for our inner life. Though there are both longer and shorter versions, the most frequently used form of
The Jesus Prayer is:

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner."

My personal experience with the Jesus Prayer has been amazing ... I find this to be one of the most powerful prayers that I pray. I generally begin with the standard form but as I continue to pray ... I relax into simply savoring and sinking into the words "Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy ... Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy." I feel as though I have relaxed into the gentle and peaceful presence of my dear Mother God. I use this prayer as a way to intercede for others when I am distressed in my own spirit for them ... and the Spirit intercedes ... try it! peace, Cindy

The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way by
Helen Bacovcin (Translator) and Walter J. Ciszek (Foreword)

Prayer Resources:

The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God by
Frederica Mathewes-Green

Information from the Greek Orthodox Diocese of America (Click here for more information)

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit.
Stay alert and keep praying for God's people. Ephesians 6:18

The Way of the Pilgrim: Complete Text and Reader's Guide by Dennis J. Billy

This prayer, in its simplicity and clarity, is rooted in the Scriptures and the new life granted by the Holy Spirit. It is first and foremost a prayer of the Spirit because of the fact that the prayer addresses Jesus as Lord, Christ and Son of God; and as St. Paul tells us,

"no one can say 'Jesus is Lord'
except by the Holy Spirit"
(1 Cor. 12:3).