A REMINDER TO PRAY : THE JESUS PRAYER

The Jesus Prayer · Words carved in clay

To me, the Jesus Prayer is one of the most important prayers. Its words are simple, but their meaning is profound. I pray it during my morning and evening prayers, and throughout the day whenever I feel drawn to return to it.

THE INSCRIPTION

Го́споди Іису́се Христе́, Сы́не Бо́жїй, Сыне Божий, помилуй мя

Gospodi Iisuse Khriste, Syne Bozhiy, pomiluy mya

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

SLOWLY, WITH ATTENTION

I make the sign of the cross and try to give The Jesus Prayer my full attention, mouthing the words quietly without speaking aloud.

I once read about saying the prayer slowly, allowing time to attend to each word.

Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov gives this counsel, teaching that an unhurried pace helps the mind remain within the words of the prayer.

It is something I try to remember when I pray.

A PRAYER WITHIN SIGHT

Because The Jesus Prayer means so much to me, you will find it inscribed on many of my works.

Sometimes I carve the fuller prayer; sometimes just the words “Lord, have mercy.”

On this vase, the prayer takes a visible place in the home. The words carved into its surface offer a simple reminder to pause, remember Christ, and pray.

That is what I hope this piece will offer: a reminder to return to the prayer throughout the day.

DOM VECHERA · THE JOURNAL

CONTINUE READING → CHANTING THE PSALTER

EXPLORE THE SACRED WORKS → SACRED VESSEL No. 14