Flashcards for:
Understanding the Jesus Prayer

Making the sign of the cross and using a prayer rope are methods to aid in the practice of the Jesus Prayer, helping maintain focus and discipline in recitation.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18) emphasizes humility in prayer, which is a key component of the Jesus Prayer.

The inclusion of 'on me, a sinner' personalizes the prayer by expressing a personal plea for mercy and acknowledging one's own sinfulness.

St. Paul's Epistle to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5) challenges the concept of 'praying without ceasing,' which is related to the practice of the Jesus Prayer as a means to constant prayer.

The Jesus Prayer reflects the teachings in Matthew 9 where two blind men seek mercy from Jesus, acknowledging His power to forgive and heal.

In the Jesus Prayer, the title 'Lord' denotes worship and faith, acknowledging Jesus' authority.

The phrase 'have mercy' is central because it is a request for compassion and acknowledges God's merciful nature.

Referring to Jesus as 'Son of God' in the Jesus Prayer affirms Jesus's divinity and acknowledges the Trinitarian concept.

It is recommended to seek guidance from spiritual fathers to ensure proper understanding and practice of the Jesus Prayer, avoiding spiritual pitfalls.

In the Jesus Prayer, 'Christ' means 'anointed' or 'sanctified,' declaring Jesus's divine mission and identity as the Messiah.

Early Egyptian monastics of the 4th and 5th century developed a practice of constant prayer, which contributed to the historical development of the Jesus Prayer.

The closing remarks emphasize knowing, living, and teaching one's faith as central messages imparted in the study and practice of the Jesus Prayer.

The name 'Jesus' was revealed by God through the angel Gabriel and signifies an intimate relationship and recognition of Jesus's named mission.

The Jesus Prayer is often referred to as the 'prayer of the heart' or 'arrow prayer.' Its two main versions are the short version: 'Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me,' and the long version: 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

St. Gregory the Theologian emphasizes that remembering God should be as vital to us as breathing, underlining the essence of the Jesus Prayer in constant remembrance.