The Jesus Prayer

All of us need some 'tools' along the sacred journey--the hiking boots that guard against the cold, the compass that guides our direction, the map that keeps us on the way.  One of the 'tools' that I've found to be very helpful at various times is "The Jesus Prayer."  This simple prayer is ancient.  It comes from the Eastern Orthodox Church.  While much of our praying tends to be directed 'out'--we bring our praise and petition to God out there (and appropriately so), the Jesus Prayer is directed 'in.'  It is a descending down into the presence of Christ within us.  The purpose of this prayer is to help us embrace and rest in the one who is the source of life. 

This last Sunday I spoke about our 'programs for happiness,' a phrase I've borrowed from Thomas Keating.  Our programs for happiness are the many ways we attempt to meet our needs for security, affection and control.   In a sense, we all become addicted to our programs for happiness and our tendency is to try harder and harder to get our needs met.  Last Sunday I described this as 'willful' living.  An alternative to 'willful' living is 'surrendered' living.  Here, rather than trying harder and harder (even using religious means) to meet our deepest needs, we surrender to the source of life, Christ himself abiding in and with us. The Jesus Prayer is a simple tool to help us surrender to Christ, the source of life.

The actual practice of "The Jesus Prayer" is uncomplicated.  I might suggest that you begin by assuming a comfortable posture in a reasonably quiet place.  You may wish to close your eyes in order to shut out distractions.  Then, in rhythm with your breathing, whisper these words:

Lord Jesus Christ

Son of God

Have Mercy on Me

A Sinner

Repeat these words over and over again, and as you do, allow yourself to descend into the presence of Christ with you.  As you continue, you may want to simplify the prayer even more, returning to the single word, "Jesus."  If you should become distracted, your mind flitting from thing to thing, just return very gently to the prayer.  

You will no-doubt recognize that this prayer is taken from the prayer of the tax collector in Jesus' beautiful parable about the tax collector and the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14.  This is not a 'worm prayer,' where we crawl before God like worthless worms.  It is rather a humble prayer in which we open our hearts and lives to unconditional love.

One of the beauties of "The Jesus Prayer" is that it can be offered any time, day or night.  (I suggest that you keep your eyes open if you're driving the car, though.)  When you become aware that you're anxious, or for some reason you're not thinking clearly, you can return to this prayer, offer it over and over under your breath, and 'sink' into the presence of Christ.  This is what I like to call a 'recess prayer.'  In the many recesses during the day, those moments when you're walking from the car to the grocery store, when you've finished one item on the 'to-do' list and are preparing for the next, or during the drive to or from work, you can employ the Jesus Prayer as part of your communion with God.

The Jesus Prayer is a wonderful tool for the sacred adventure.  I'd love for you to give it a try and then share your experience with the rest of us.

One quick note about this blog:  I originally indicated that it would be my intention to write and send this blog on Monday.  I'm finding that almost impossible, so from here on (until I change my mind!) I'll make every effort to write on Tuesday.