Heeding St. Paul’s guidance to pray without ceasing (Thessalonians 5:17), their ancient, short prayer became known as the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
In the Eastern churches especially, this prayer became most popular. It is silently recited over and over throughout the waking hours, usually in rhythm with breathing. This is why it is also known as the “prayer of the heart.”
It is a prayer rich in theological and spiritual meaning.
The words form the essence of the Christian faith in echoing Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16).
This prayer also emulates the words of the repentant publican whom Jesus describes in Luke’s Gospel: “Have mercy on me a sinner” (18:13).
The Church sets aside the first month of the year to honor of the holy name of Jesus—and to remind us of the power of Christ's name and to encourage us to pray in his name. Why not make a New Year’s resolution for 2016 to always have the Jesus Prayer on our lips and in our hearts?
Our prayer today:
Peter W. Yaremko, a former journalist, is the owner of Executive Media, Inc. and is a specialist in executive communications. He attends St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown, Massachusetts and blogs at peterwyaremko.com/paradise_diaries.