The Jesus Prayer
The classical form of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."Fr. John Corapi recently talked about how this prayer is a wonderful prayer to say during our day. I completely agree. Please realize that the actual words of our short prayers can vary. Some versions will say, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" while others say, "Lord Jesus, have mercy." Monks of old said, "Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, make speed to save me," throughout their entire day.
The Jesus Prayer originates in the early sixth century, with Diadochos, who taught that repetition of the prayer leads to inner stillness. Even earlier John Cassian recommended this type of prayer. In the fourth century Egypt short "arrow" prayers were practiced.
Realize that this prayer, repeated throughout the day, is a very pious action. It does not go against Our Lord's command not to pray in "vain repetition" because Jesus' emphasis is on "vain" prayers, not on the fact they are repeated often. Jesus himself taught us the Our Father for us to repeat just two lines after Matthew 6:7! The important thing is that we must raise our hearts and minds to God (CCC 2559). That is prayer!
Abba Macarius of Egypt said there is no need to waste time with words. It is enough to hold out your hands and say, "Lord, according to your desire and your wisdom, have mercy." If pressed in the struggle, say, "Lord, save me!" or simply, " Lord." He knows what is best for us, and will have mercy upon us. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach always, when necessary use words."
Fr. John Corapi said that if we can't concentrate on prayer because we are in pain or dying , just say the name of "Jesus".
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