What Is the Jesus Prayer?

The Jesus Prayer is a short prayer centered on the name of Jesus Christ. A common form is: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Shorter forms are also used.

Why repeat a short prayer?

The purpose is not mechanical repetition. A short prayer can help gather the attention, turn the mind toward Christ, and bring prayer into ordinary moments of daily life.

What does "have mercy" mean?

Asking for God's mercy is more than asking to escape punishment. In Christian prayer it is an appeal for God's compassion, forgiveness, healing, help, and transforming grace.

The name of Jesus

The prayer confesses Jesus as Lord and Christ and places His name at the center of attention. Its simplicity allows it to be prayed quietly in many circumstances.

Is a prayer rope required?

No. Some Orthodox Christians use a prayer rope to help maintain attention and count repetitions, but the prayer rope is an aid rather than the purpose of the prayer.

Guidance and spiritual discipline

The Jesus Prayer can be used simply and reverently by Christians. More intensive methods associated with prolonged repetition, breathing, or advanced ascetic practice traditionally belong under experienced spiritual guidance and should not be treated as techniques for producing unusual experiences.

The heart of the Jesus Prayer is simple: turning repeatedly to Jesus Christ with faith, repentance, humility, and trust in His mercy.