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{{spirituality}}
The '''Jesus Prayer''', also called the '''''Prayer of the Heart''''', the '''''Prayer of a Single Thought''''', or simply '''''The Prayer''''', is a short, simple prayer that has been widely used, taught and discussed throughout the history of [[Introduction to Orthodox Christianity|Eastern Christianity]]. The exact words of the prayer have varied, from a simple form such as [[Kyrie eleison|"Lord, have mercy"]] to an extended form:
:"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner."
The form most in use on [[Mount Athos]] is "[[Lord]] Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me." It is particularly used in the practice of the spiritual life known as [[hesychasm]].
It is, for the Orthodox, one of the most profound and mystical prayers and is often repeated endlessly as part of a personal [[asceticism|ascetic]] practice. There have been a number of [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] texts on the subject, but its usage has never achieved the same degree of devotion as in the Eastern Church. A more elaborate version known to some Roman Catholics by the same name goes: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of [[Hell]], and lead all souls to [[Heaven]], especially those most in need of Your mercy."
The prayer is most reflective of the lesson taught by the [[parable]] of the [[Publican and the Pharisee]]; in which the [[Pharisee]] demonstrates the improper way to pray by exclaiming, "Thank you Lord that I am not like the Publican." While the Publican in humility prays correctly "Lord have mercy on me, the sinner" ([[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 18:10-14). And likewise in the [[Gospel]]s, [[Apostle Peter|Peter]] crying out as he sank into the sea, "Lord, save me."
== External links ==
*[https://asceticexperience.com/2019/10/what-is-the-jesus-prayer-the-prayer-of-the-mind-and-the-prayer-of-the-heart/ What is the “Jesus Prayer”, the “Prayer of the mind” and the “Prayer of the heart”?]
*[http://www.hesychasm.ru/en/index.htm Hesychasm]
*[http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?ID=195 The Jesus Prayer], a very straightforward exposition
*[http://archangelsbooks.com/articles/spirituality/IntroJesusPrayer.asp Introduction to the Jesus Prayer by Mother Alexandra]
*[http://www.orthodoxprayer.org/Jesus%20Prayer.html How to pray the Jesus Prayer and many articles and links]
*[http://www.chotki.com/resources/ The Jesus Prayer Resource Library], Orthodox Christian library that provides access to selected resources about the Jesus Prayer
*[https://www.prayer-bracelet.com/blog/the-jesus-prayer-prayer-of-the-heart/ The Jesus Prayer | Prayer of the Heart], Nice easy to read explanation of the background and meaning of the Jesus Prayer
[[Category:Asceticism]]
[[Category:Hesychasm]]
[[es:Oración de Jesús]]
[[fr:Prière de Jésus]]
[[pt:Oração de Jesus]]
[[ro:Rugăciunea lui Iisus]]