www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology The Jesus Prayer

Dear Friends:

I am a new member of the Byzantine Forum. I am a convert to the Roman Catholic Church from hedonism (1991). Ever since my discovery of the Eastern Churches and their traditions, I've always have had, and continue to have, an attraction to Byzantine spirituality. Needless to say, I'm very happy to be a part of this cyber community. Now to business.

I've tried, unsuccessfully, to pray the Jesus Prayer many times since my conversion to Christ. I've never stuck with it long enough to see any fruit(or the flowers before the fruit). Do any of you know some practical books that I can read regarding the Jesus Prayer? I've read the books typically advised; however, they usually focus on the benefits of the Prayer, or depict a person who prays the Prayer (I've found them beneficial). I'm looking for something practical. I do have a spiritual director, but he is of the Latin tradition. Any help. I do feel a calling to pray this great Prayer of the East. But unfortunately, I'm inconsistent, whimsical, and feeling somewhat lost. Any help? Thank you in advance. God bless you for your time and for your response. Solanus

Glory to Jesus Christ!

I'd say, just pray

If it seems difficult, just pray 10, or one

Try not to intellectualize about it.

However I have two book recommendations:

The Art of Prayer by Chariton of Valamo
ISBN 0-571-19165-7 Faber and Faber

Earthen Vessels by Gabriel Bunge OSB
ISBN 0-89870-8337-0 Ignatius Press


Welcome to the Forum!

Michael, that sinner

Dear Solanus,

You might want a copy of St Ignatius Brianchaninov's "On the Prayer of Jesus."

The Way of the Pilgrim is what originally inspired me - the Paulist Press edition is the very best one, for my money.

The Jesus Prayer also exists in the Latin tradition.

St Peter Julian Eymard, for example, prescribed the recitation of "My Jesus, mercy!" 1,000 times daily, there is the Jesus Psalter, the beautiful LItany of the Name of Jesus and the like.

You can use the rosary to pray the Jesus Prayer and a good beginning is fifty in the morning and fifty in the evening.

You can also pray the Prayer throughout the day.

St Pachomius of Egypt used to recite 100 Prayers at the turn of each hour, day and night . . .

We can pray for others using this prayer, end our Psalms and Our Fathers with this prayer, in short, insert it everywhere.

It is good to have a corner where you have some images of Jesus and Mary where you could spend some time reciting this prayer.

One way to include the Mother of God is to say this form of the prayer as recommended by St Theophan the Recluse and St Seraphim of Sarov:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, by the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother, have mercy on me a sinner

or

Lord Jesus Christ, by the Theotokos, have mercy on me a sinner.

The two most important words are, of course, "Jesus" and "mercy."

Fr. Lev Gillet's prayer consisted ONLY of the Name of Jesus that he pronounced over everyone he met throughout the day, on the bus, in the street etc.

And remember that the Latin "Hail Mary" can be used as a form of the Jesus Prayer, when one pronounces "Jesus" slowly and with reflection - this is how the RC saints prayed as well.

Alex

Solanus, "The Way of the Pilgrim" is a wonderful historical account of a pilgrim who wanders Russia and Ukraine and has the Jesus Prayer as his companion.

It is very readable, and contains the dialogue between the pilgrim and his spiritual father.

Also "Readings from the Philokalia on the Prayer of the Heart" is a one volume summation of the four English volumes of the Philokalia dealing with hseychastic prayer.

Father Lev Gillet (also known as "A Monk of the Eastern Church") wrote a wonderful book about the Jesus Prayer.

Michael's suggestion from Abbot Chariton is a great one, as the book contains primarily selections from St. Theophan the Recluse on prayer.

Another I would suggest is "The Little Russian Philokalia" with the volume (I believe Volume 4 perhaps?) containing the writings of St. Paissius Velychkovsky.

I would highly recommend "Earthen Vessels" by Gabriel Bunge. It explains prayer postures and symbols, and why we do things the way we do them in the East. There is a reason behind everything, although I think the West no longer remembers the "why" behind its approaches to prayer. Read it, and you will never regret having done so.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Thank you all for your input. I will look into the different books that you have suggested. Someone once mentioned to me a book entitled, The Accent of the Divine Ladder. I don't think I have the title correctly, nor do I know the author's name. Saint Climicus or something. Any help? This evening I will pray the Jesus Prayer 100 times with you in mind. I like the idea of including the Mother of God in the Prayer--"Do whatever he tells you." Again, thank you.

Solanus

Solanus

Welcome

I think you were referring to

The Ladder of Divine Ascent - which is by St John Climacus

I was given this in 2002 - and I have read it more than once - a wonderful book - strongly recommended.

The Jesus Prayer will in time become part of you - make haste slowly - do not rush - all will be well

Anhelyna

Yes, Anhelyna is more than correct!

The Jesus Prayer is learned by doing in the first instance!

And it is not easy - St Ignatius Brianchaninov referred to its practice as a "martyrdom" of sorts.

If you like, you may use the Jesus Prayer as a substitute for the Divine Office through the day according to this lay program:

Matins - 300 prayers

the Hours - 50 prayers each

Vespers - 150 prayers

Compline - 100 prayers

Nocturns - 200 prayers

Of course, monastics say many more prayers for the Hours.

One devotion is to say the Jesus Prayer 33 times in honour of the years Our Lord lived on earth.

All these exercises are "doable" by us lowly laity!

Alex

This is a really great forum. I look forward to taking a few minutes each evening to spend a little time with you. Thank you for your input. Solanus

Dear Solanus,

If you find you are addicted to this forum, waste no time, but contact the Administrator immediately!

He'll look after you!

Alex

Hi Solanus! Welcome to the Forum!

I am very glad to find that you are attempting to incorporate the Jesus Prayer into your prayer life. I know that the Lord always guides those who seek Him and that He will guide you as you pray.

Regarding expectations from prayer, don�t have any. Pray and expect absolutely nothing in return. The Lord does not want prayer offered only because we know we will get a warm fuzzy feeling in return. We should pray without any expectation of flowers or fruit. We should pray expecting to receive absolutely nothing in return. A difficult task, to be sure.

This does not mean that the Lord will not bless your prayer. He will. You may look back in a few years and see that you are different because of your prayer. Or you may not see you are different but others might see this in you. Only time and prayer will tell.

Prayers!

Admin

Dear Solanus,

Was I lying about the Administrator?

Alex