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The Jesus Prayer
‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.’ This ancient prayer has been known and loved by generations of Christians for hundreds of years. It is a way of entering into the river of prayer which flows from the heart of the prayer of God himself, as Jesus continually prays for his people and for the world he loves. Simon Barrington-Ward teaches us how to use the Jesus Prayer as a devotional practice, and opens up the Bible passages that are crucial to understanding it. ‘Written out of long experience, Simon Barrington-Ward's book is one of the clearest, practical and most timely introductions available.’ David Runcorn, author of Spirituality A guide for explorers, pilgrims and seekers
96 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 22, 2024
(Oh) LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME (A SINNER)
I enjoyed this little book, which came to me in mint condition and providentially through the free rack at Riverow Books in Owego. I check that rack often because there are some beauties!
I grew up in a Baptist church. In advance of our baptisms we were encouraged to share--hopefully from memory--a key verse from the Bible to testify to our faith. So I really appreciated the idea portrayed in this book among the Desert Fathers of having a 'life prayer'--one to come back to on a daily basis and for all circumstances. When I am presented with a person or a prayer request for which I don't know how to pray, I often pray, "grace to you" or "peace of Christ to you." Reading this book has provoked me to consider what other well polished gems of prayer I can lift from the deposit of the saints to use effectively in my life and ministry. I may not be able to settle on only one, but having a small collection may be a good balance to relying on extemporaneous prayer alone.
I do have a couple of points to quibble with the bishop. He suggests (first on page 17, then again later in the book) that the Jesus prayer is a "totally trinitarian prayer." I disagree. It is a wonderful prayer, but it does not clarify the trinity, nor point clearly to the Spirit in any way as to stave off heresy, except for the relation of Father to Son.
For the bishop, in praying this prayer "you don't make images or even think thoughts"(p86,p26), but simply cultivate a sense of presence. I can appreciate the value of recognizing that fellowship with God transcends words or imagery. But at times the instructions seem much closer to 'Eastern' prayer--such as Buddhist-- in suggesting total escape from thought and emotion. I don't see this as the goal of Christian prayer. And his tenuous and qualified acceptance of "a sinner" (p89-90) at best requires more clarification, at worst suggests a tepid acceptance of the idea of human sinfulness.
But there is some valuable content here. My absolute favorite quote--which alone was worth reading the book--is this:
"To recollect his presence is, from the first, light and peace. He comes not in reproach, nor in rebuke for our constant absence and betrayal, but in joy that we are with him. I often think of the moment when he appeared in the upper room to the astonished disciples, huddled together in despair, the doors locked for fear, nothing in the past but the knowledge of their own failure, nothing in the future but the loss of him, like waking from a dream into a deserted world. Suddenly he is with them, and his first words are not, "Where were you when I needed you? You have let me down!" His first words are Shalom . . . be with you. . . His love is final after all." (p72)
I enjoyed this little book, which came to me in mint condition and providentially through the free rack at Riverow Books in Owego. I check that rack often because there are some beauties!
I grew up in a Baptist church. In advance of our baptisms we were encouraged to share--hopefully from memory--a key verse from the Bible to testify to our faith. So I really appreciated the idea portrayed in this book among the Desert Fathers of having a 'life prayer'--one to come back to on a daily basis and for all circumstances. When I am presented with a person or a prayer request for which I don't know how to pray, I often pray, "grace to you" or "peace of Christ to you." Reading this book has provoked me to consider what other well polished gems of prayer I can lift from the deposit of the saints to use effectively in my life and ministry. I may not be able to settle on only one, but having a small collection may be a good balance to relying on extemporaneous prayer alone.
I do have a couple of points to quibble with the bishop. He suggests (first on page 17, then again later in the book) that the Jesus prayer is a "totally trinitarian prayer." I disagree. It is a wonderful prayer, but it does not clarify the trinity, nor point clearly to the Spirit in any way as to stave off heresy, except for the relation of Father to Son.
For the bishop, in praying this prayer "you don't make images or even think thoughts"(p86,p26), but simply cultivate a sense of presence. I can appreciate the value of recognizing that fellowship with God transcends words or imagery. But at times the instructions seem much closer to 'Eastern' prayer--such as Buddhist-- in suggesting total escape from thought and emotion. I don't see this as the goal of Christian prayer. And his tenuous and qualified acceptance of "a sinner" (p89-90) at best requires more clarification, at worst suggests a tepid acceptance of the idea of human sinfulness.
But there is some valuable content here. My absolute favorite quote--which alone was worth reading the book--is this:
"To recollect his presence is, from the first, light and peace. He comes not in reproach, nor in rebuke for our constant absence and betrayal, but in joy that we are with him. I often think of the moment when he appeared in the upper room to the astonished disciples, huddled together in despair, the doors locked for fear, nothing in the past but the knowledge of their own failure, nothing in the future but the loss of him, like waking from a dream into a deserted world. Suddenly he is with them, and his first words are not, "Where were you when I needed you? You have let me down!" His first words are Shalom . . . be with you. . . His love is final after all." (p72)
April 29, 2018
A gentle and helpful introduction to an ancient way of praying. Originally from the ancient Eastern Church, but in the last century increasingly known, used and loved by Christians of all traditions.
January 21, 2021
Fabulous little book.
June 18, 2014
This book is a good way of getting to know the history of The Jesus Prayer, and ways it's been expressed throughout the centuries, which brings to light various aspects of this simple, yet powerful prayer.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews