The Jesus Prayer

If you’ve read recently, I’ve been on a mission to meld my reformed understanding of Scripture with aesthetic devotion and spiritual life.  I’ve been reading through a book called Traditions of the Ancients which discusses spiritual practices of early Christians.  I have just finished the chapter on the Jesus prayer, and I have been extremely blessed through the practice of this tradition.

In the Jesus prayer, the believer utters the phrase “Lord Jesus Son of God, Have Mercy on Me A Sinner (saved by grace).  The rhythm is set to alighn with the first half coming on an inhale with the remainder flowing through the exhale and the process is repeated constantly.  Please note, this is not a Jabez-esq ritual in order to get something.  The idea is to associate prayer with every breath and having every breath remind you of the mercy and love of Jesus.  I’ve always had trouble “praying without ceasing,” but this tradition of our spiritual ancestors has blessed me intensely by keeping me ever focused in prayer and constantly focused on God and His mercy.

I pray God gives us great balance.  To know His word deeply and accurately and worship Him passionately and intimately in our spiritual lives.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

*chills