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What is the Jesus Prayer and How Can You Pray It?
Formation
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Jan 8, 2025
The Jesus Prayer is a simple yet powerful devotion cherished by Eastern Christians and Byzantine Catholics for centuries. Much like the Rosary in Western Catholic tradition, this Christ-centered prayer is a way to grow closer to God by calling upon the Name of Jesus and meditating on His mercy.
The Catechism beautifully reminds us that the Name of Jesus means “God saves,” and uttering it invites the presence of God into our lives. By praying the Jesus Prayer, we not only ask for His mercy but also cultivate an awareness of His constant companionship in our daily life.
Here’s a simple guide to praying the Jesus Prayer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Praying the Jesus Prayer
Step 1: Gather What You Need (or Don’t!)
The Jesus prayer is typically prayed with a “chotki” a prayer instrument similar to the most holy rosary. If you don’t have a chotki, don’t worry! You can pray the Jesus Prayer with a standard five-decade rosary to help track your prayers. If you don’t have a rosary, your ten fingers work just as well!
Step 2: Begin with the Sign of the Cross and the Divine Praises
Step 3: Pray the Five Decades
On the “Our Father” beads: Pray one Our Father to begin each decade.
On the “Hail Mary” beads: Pray the Jesus Prayer:“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Conclude each decade with a Glory Be.
Step 4: Finish with the Trisagion (Thrice Holy Prayer)
At the end of the five decades, recite this prayer three times as a closing:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.”
Pro Tips for Deepening Your Prayer
Incorporate Your Breath
As you pray the Jesus Prayer, pair it with your breathing:
Inhale: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,”
Exhale: “Have mercy on me, a sinner.”
This rhythmic pattern helps calm your mind and integrates the prayer into your very being, making it easier to carry throughout your day.
Purchase a Chotki or Prayer Rope
Eastern Catholics use a chotki, a prayer rope with knots to count the prayers. A typical chotki has 33 knots to symbolize Jesus’ earthly life, but they can vary in size. As mentioned earlier, a chotki isn’t necessary to pray the Jesus Prayer—your rosary or fingers are just as effective— but for all those looking to take their prayer tool kit to the next level, get a chotiki!
Why Pray the Jesus Prayer?
This devotion isn’t just a prayer; it’s an encounter with the living God. By calling upon the Name of Jesus and asking for His mercy, you invite His presence into every moment of your life. It’s a way to align your heart with God’s will and receive the peace and mercy He longs to give you.
Pray the Jesus Prayer on Tabella
Ready to experience the transformative power of the Jesus Prayer? Join us on Tabella, where we have a beautiful recording of this ancient tradition available just in time for the great Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Let the Name of Jesus fill your heart and mind, bringing His mercy and love into your life today.
Start praying the Jesus Prayer on Tabella now
