The Jesus Prayer The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God By Frederica Mathewes-Green - Christian Life - Spiritual instruction
Paperback 196 pages
In the earliest centuries of faith, Christians in the deserts of Palestine and Africa sought a short prayer that could be easily repeated, in order to acquire the habit of “prayer without ceasing.” The result was The Jesus Prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”
This jewel of Eastern Christianity aims at enabling a person to be in God’s presence, rather than to focus on feelings or thoughts about God.
The first section of The Jesus Prayer offers a concise overview of the history, theology, and spirituality of Orthodoxy, so that the Prayer can be understood in its native context. Following, is a conversational question-and-answer format that takes the reader through practical steps for adopting this profound practice in everyday life.
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Even if you don't believe that Paul's admonition to "pray without ceasing" or "pray constantly" was meant to be taken literally, you'll find much to ponder in this lucid account of the history, the meaning, and - especially - the practice of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me." Most for the exposition is in a reader-friendly question-and-answer format.,
Christianity Today,
Christianity Today,