For nearly eight months I attended a Byzantine Catholic parish in Colorado. Truly, it changed my faith life and introduced me to a new, previously unknown side of the Catholic Tradition. While much can be said on the Eastern side of the church, (indeed much has been said and by more competent voices than myself1 ) there is a beauty which shines forth in their unique traditions, practices, Liturgy, prayers, and devotions. I want to focus on one devotion, arguably the central devotion of any eastern catholic, the Jesus Prayer.
The Jesus Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God; have mercy on me, a sinner
There is a famous Russian tale called The Way of a Pilgrim written by an anonymous 19th-century peasant that centers on the practice of the Jesus prayer. In one particular passage, the pilgrim’s elder2 teaches the Jesus prayer saying, “The ceaseless Jesus Prayer is a continuous, uninterrupted call on the holy name of Jesus Christ with the lips, mind, and heart; and in the awareness of His abiding presence it is a plea for His blessing in all undertakings, in all places, at all times, even in sleep”3
The Jesus prayer arises directly from Scripture in several places:
A blind beggar called out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”4 Jesus heard him, despite the crowd, stopped and healed him on account of his faith.
Ten lepers met Jesus on the road and cried out, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us”5 and He heard and healed them.
Jesus tells of the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. Both went into the temple to pray, the Pharisee prayed, boasting of his righteousness, while the publican beat his breast crying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”6
In many ways, the Jesus Prayer stands as an answer to St. Paul’s counsels. Several times he directs us to “pray without ceasing”7, “pray at all times in the spirit”8 and “rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”9. The natural response is how can one pray at all times when he must eat and sleep and work? By focusing on the heart as the center of the prayer, you bring your heart, your core, your soul into union with the presence of God and the Holy Spirit that dwells within. Because this takes place within, the prayer can “sink” into your heart so as to continue praying even when asleep or doing other tasks. Your hands and even your mind might be working, but your heart continues to cry to the Lord.
The Gospel in Twelve Words
It is claimed that the Jesus Prayer “contains the whole Gospel”. It sounds absurd that a simple, twelve-word prayer could communicate the Goods News, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. But, proclaiming the prayer is to proclaim the Gospel. You are acknowledging Jesus as Lord and savior. You are professing belief that He is the Son of God. By asking for mercy from Jesus, you are asking Him to forgive your sins, which inherently is an affirmation of the redemption of the cross. In the prayer, you also profess humility before God and acknowledge your own sinfulness. Above all of this, the prayer is a declaration of faith in Jesus. This is the core of the Gospel, faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead.
Hesychasm
The Jesus Prayer. Prayer of the Heart. Hesychasm. All refer to the same thing, but each title emphasizes a different aspect of this prayer. “Prayer of the Heart” directs you to the method unto which you pray. “Jesus Prayer” reminds you of the words that are said. While “Hesychasm” describes the school of spirituality that surrounds the prayer.
Hesychasm stems from the Greek10 for rest. This etymology speaks to its purpose, one is supposed to rest in God's presence. You begin by resting your body, putting it in a relaxing posture and unwinding the tension in your muscles and simply being. You put your mind to rest, setting down the day's worries, anxieties, and stresses. Direct your gaze inward and look for your heart, feel it beating inside of you. Look for the Holy Spirit residing in you. Remember that through Baptism and participation in Holy Communion you are a part of the Body of Christ and His Spirit dwells within. Then begin to pray the Jesus Prayer11, repeat it slowly, holding each word in your mouth. Do not try to imagine an image with each word, or mediate as you would praying the rosary. Instead, simply rest in the presence of God, comfortable in your identity as a son or daughter of the Father.
Conclusion
The Jesus Prayer is an ancient devotion that offers something unique in our modern age. It requires stillness and silence, something of a commodity in our noisy, industrial lives. The prayer helps, also, to cultivate an inner life, profess the teachings of the faith in a simple, orthodox way, and increase our faith and humility.
To learn more I recommend you begin by reading The Way of the Pilgrim.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners
Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical Orientale Lumen (Light of the East) is an excellent document describing the beauty of Eastern Catholicism. Read it here
The Orthodox tradition has the practice of certain monks being raised to elders. These monks, advanced in age and spiritual understanding, often served as spiritual guides. The faithful would travel from all over to speak with these elders at their monasteries.
The Way of a Pilgrim, pg. 9
Mark 10: 46-52
Luke 17: 11-19
Luke 18: 9-14
1 Thessalonians 5: 17
Ephesians 6: 18
Romans 12: 12
λοιπός (loipós)
It is often recommended to have a spiritual director to help guide you through the prayer and anything you may experience as a result of it.