The Jesus Prayer

The Jesus Prayer is a short, ancient prayer often used by Christians to focus on Christ. One commonly accepted variation of this prayer is: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

 

Also called the “Prayer of the Heart”, the Jesus Prayer can be said and used in different ways. It can be said in synchronization with your breathing. So, breathe in and say, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God …” Then breathe out and say, “Have mercy on me, a sinner.” The breathing and speaking are done slowly and intentionally. In saying this prayer, we focus on every word. 

 

This prayer can be said at a regular time of the day or used as a continual prayer. You could also use it in between tasks to help eliminate rushing from your day and to make God more visible to you. 

 

This is a simple prayer, yet so profound. In it, we make a bold statement of who Jesus is: the son of God and the rabbi we choose to submit to. We also acknowledge that we need mercy, and that Christ gives it … a beautiful, symbiotic relationship between Christ and us. Last, we, like at all AA meetings, confess that we are broken and in need of mercy.

 

It’s a powerful little prayer. Give it a try a few times today!