Lutheran Jesus Prayer

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

Interested in the traditional Eastern Orthodox practice? View the Eastern Orthodox guide.

Pray the Jesus Prayer with Scripture-fed devotion. This Lutheran usage keeps the historic wording while emphasizing that mercy flows from Christ alone—no technique can replace faith in the crucified and risen Lord.

Jesus Prayer Counter

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

0/ 33

Press Space to count manually, R to reset

How to Pray the Jesus Prayer

1. Confess the Prayer

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

Speak the holy name of Jesus with humble confidence. The prayer is a short creed: Christ is Lord, truly God, and the merciful Savior of sinners.

2. Breathe the Gospel

Inhale on “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God”; exhale on “have mercy on me, a sinner.” Let the rhythm remind you that every breath is a gift of grace.

3. Count with Vigilance

Use a prayer rope, rosary, or the counter above to remain attentive. Traditional counts include 33 (years of Christ’s life), 50, or 100 repetitions.

4. Rest in Christ

Allow the prayer to settle in the heart. When distractions arise, return to the words and to the mercy of Jesus.

A Lutheran Adaptation of an Eastern Treasure

The Jesus Prayer blossoms in the monastic tradition of the Christian East. Lutherans receive it gratefully as a way to cling to Jesus and His mercy, while guarding against any notion that technique or repetition earns forgiveness. The prayer is a cry of faith that rests solely on Christ’s finished work.