The Jesus Prayer

On July 3, 2009 / By maggi dawn / Reply

I just came across a blog by Kelvin Wright, and it has some GREAT writing on it – including this little description of how to pray the Jesus Prayer. Check out Kelvin's blog here

Sit somewhere where you are comfortable enough not to move for the duration of your intended meditation. Try and keep your back straight. Close your eyes. As far as you can, try to relax every part of your body; be especially aware of contracted muscles in the face, shoulders and neck. Silently repeat the phrase Lord Jesus Christ Son of the Living God Have mercy on me a sinner. If that seems too long, shorten it. Try just the first 8 words. Or even, just a couple of selected words: Lord…mercy… Repeat the words slowly giving equal weight to each word. I find it helpful to pace the words with my breath. Don't go theologising or thinking or trying to feel the presence of God. Don't worry that you suddenly remember that the washing machine needs turning on or the cat needs combing; it can wait. Don't get all excited by any mental pictures or "profound" thoughts that might burble up from the unconscious: that's just your brain having a dose of gas and it doesn't actually mean anything. If it really is a message from God, he knows your number and he'll get back to you later. If your mind wanders off, it's no big deal. Just pick up your phrase again and continue repeating it. Do this for a reasonable period; 10 minutes would be a good start for a newbie, but 20 would be better. Do it a couple of times a day. Do that every day for a week. See what happens. You might be surprised.

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Comments

  1. Graham
    On May 8, 2009 at 10:00 am

    Thank you- blogging is good for my ’soul’ as is reading other peoples blogs- it connects me with a wider variety of thought than just ‘me’.
    In fact- working in full time ministry, it has often been a life saver….

  2. Jane D
    On May 8, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    I quite agree with you Maggi, I have only been blogging since January and it has definately been good for my soul!! I have also now got two blog friends who I am able to communicate with almost every day even though they are on the other side of the planet!

  3. Dot
    On May 8, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    I agree, as a bit of a blog novice I think that the process is really interesting and I enjoy reading other people’s blogs – I particularly like the access it gives to lots of people’s opinions and thoughts – many (OK not all!) of them are well worth hearing – but wouldn’t be available through any other medium

  4. Lisa Watkinson
    On May 11, 2009 at 9:12 am

    I also agree with you Maggi and others that have posted on this subject.
    As someone who really wants to start my own blog it is interesting but more importantly over the past few months it is posting on your blog Maggi that has kept my sanity and my soul intanct.
    It is great to read what others think and feel and gain an understanding of peoples convictions.
    God bless

  5. tony b
    On June 16, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    For someone who doesn’t get out much, blogs are a “Godsend”..

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