Lecture Notes: The Jesus Prayer

Introduction

Greeting: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen."
Topic: Understanding the Jesus Prayer
- Origin
- Usage
- Meaning

Also known as the "prayer of the heart" or "arrow prayer."
Versions of the Prayer:
- Short: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."
- Long: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Used by both Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians globally.
Orthodox Christians typically prefer the longer version.

Scriptural Basis:
- St. Paul's Epistle to the Thessalonians (1st Thessalonians 5): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing…"
- Challenge: How to pray without ceasing?
Historical Development:
- Early Egyptian monastics of the 4th and 5th century developed a constant prayer practice.
Scriptural Inspiration:
- Luke 18: Parable of the Pharisee and tax collector, emphasizing humility in prayer.
- Matthew 9: Story of two blind men seeking mercy from Jesus.

Importance of God Remembrance:
- St. Gregory the Theologian: Remembering God should be as vital as breathing.
Words Breakdown:
- Lord: A title denoting worship and faith.
- Jesus: Name revealed by God through Gabriel, symbolizing an intimate relationship.
- Christ: Means "anointed" or "sanctified"; declaration of Jesus's divine identity.
- Son of God: Affirmation of Jesus's divinity and Trinitarian concept.
- Have Mercy: Request for compassion, acknowledging God's merciful nature.
- On Me: Personalizing the plea, establishing a personal connection.
- A Sinner: Admission of personal sinfulness and Jesus as the healer.

Encourages constant recitation to maintain focus on God.
Methods:
- Making the sign of the cross.
- During prostrations.
- With a prayer rope.
Seek guidance from spiritual fathers when practicing.

Key Messages:
- Know your faith.
- Live your faith.
- Teach your faith.
Doxology: "And to God be all glory, now and forever, and to the ages of all ages. Amen."