Eastern Orthodox Jesus Prayer

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

Looking for the Lutheran devotional approach? Return to the Lutheran Jesus Prayer.

“ Sit in silence, collect your mind, and with patience compel your intellect to enter your heart by way of the breath. ”
— Gregory of Sinai, On Commandments and Doctrines

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

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Practicing the Prayer of the Heart

  • Posture: Sit or stand with humility, the head bowed slightly, hands at rest, focusing lightly upon the heart.
  • Breathing: Inhale on the invocation “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God”; exhale on the supplication “have mercy on me, a sinner.”
  • Prayer Rope: Use a komboskini to maintain attentiveness. Pause briefly on each knot, allowing the words to settle before moving to the next.
  • Watchfulness: When wandering thoughts arise, return gently to the holy name. The goal is repentance and union with Christ, not mystical experiences.

Spiritual Guidance

The Eastern tradition encourages praying the Jesus Prayer under the care of a spiritual father or mother, especially as the prayer deepens. The aim is purity of heart, continual remembrance of God, and the deification promised in Christ.