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How do I approach the Jesus Prayer? Do I silently, repeatedly say it to myself unceasingly when I'm not otherwise engaged? Do I approach it like a Zen Koan, becoming one with it...swallowing it, or letting it swallow me? What can I expect from this prayer? What precautions should I take? In "The Orthodox Church", Bishop Ware cautions that one should work with a teacher if an intensive practice of the Jesus Prayer is undertaken. How can I find a worthy teacher located in the northeast?

Dear Andy,

You have very legitimate questions. I have heard different things from different people about using the "Jesus Prayer" without supervision. The consensus seems to be that, if at all possible, you just should not start practicing this form of prayer seriously without guidance. One reason cited for this is the danger of prelest' or delusion.

You are in a part of the country that is densly populated by Christians of different confessions. It seems to me that seeeking out someone that you can trust as a "Father Confessor" or "Spiritual Father" would be the appropriate place to begin. Of course, that person does not have to be a priest or monastic, although traditionally this has been the case. Someone who has more experience in the spiritual struggle is the one indicated to mentor you in this issue, or at least so I think.

Best wishes and prayers,

Tony

Here are a couple of links:

http://www.roca.org/OA/66-68/66n.htm

http://www.fatherserafim.info/rpn8.htm

http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/orthodox-faith/spirituality/the-jesus-prayer.html

I usually knee, eyes closed. When I inhale I whisper �Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God� exhaling �have mercy on me a sinner.� I make sure I start each time saying the whole prayer but after a couple of minutes words seem to drop off and I end up saying �Lord Jesus Christ� exhaling �have mercy on me.� I focus on the words of the prayer.

I would not view it in anyway (even though it may "sound" similar) like Zen. Before you get to serious with the Jesus Prayer follow Bishop Ware�s advice and find at least a Priest to talk to about the experiences you may have. I stopped serious prayer after having a couple of experiences that I could find help with. I hope this helps. Also, read �the Way of the Pilgrim� and follow closely the wisdom of the Holy Church Fathers.

I found the following link to be a helpful meditation.
http://beliefnet.com/story/21/story_2151_1.html

I didn't know there are "risks" posed with this prayer.

I keep it simple, as if I'm talking to Jesus...."Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon me a sinner!" And I mean it when I say it to Him over and over and over.

I do it whenever I feel prompted to do so. Like if I'm thinking about a trouble or problems coming on, I'd say "Oh Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon me a sinner." Or like if I'm afraid of something or whatever.

The meaning of the word "mercy" doesn't necessarily mean "pity" but more of a concept of the fact when we dig ourselves into a hole (sins, problems, troubles, etc.) that Jesus takes us out of the hole. The process of taking us out of the hole is called Mercy. Or at least that's from what I've read on the Diary of Divine Mercy by St. Faustina.

So that's why when we're in trouble or afraid, we ask Him to take us out of it or help us or protect us.

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

I think the "RISK" is in not praying the Jesus Prayer. I'm not willing to take that risk.

Andy, There is a lot of information on The Jesus Prayer at the following site: Monachos.net [monachos.net]

Also, they have a message board and under "Ascesis and the Praxis of Orthodox Life" there is an extensive discussion on The Jesus Prayer.

Hope this helps,
Loretta

Andy, how close are you to Manhattan? Father John Soles at St. Michael's Russian Catholic Church would be a good start. You can find them at www.stmichaelruscath.org [stmichaelruscath.org]

The aspect of caution or "risk" is discussed by the Fathers when attempting to regulate the prayer with the rythymn of the body such as breathing in the first half of the Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God")and breathing out the second half (have mercy on me, a sinner).

Obviously, if one has some sort of respiratory condition, etc. this has to be taken into account if considering this practice. Any deeper ascetical practice such as this should be done with health conditions taken into account as well as the guidance of the spiritual father.

Hope this helps...

The teacher
(Quotations from Desert Fathers)

The need for a teacher
A brother asked Abba Poemen, "Why should I not be free to do without manifesting my thoughts to the old men?" The old man replied, "Abba John the Dwarf said, The enemy rejoices over nothing so much as over those who do not manifest their thoughts."
(p. 181, Abba Poemen 101)

Nine monks fell away after many labours and were obsessed with spiritual pride, for they put their trust in their own works and being deceived they did not give due heed to the commandment that says, "Ask your father and he will tell you." (Deut. 32:7)
(pp. 8-9, Abba Anthony the Great 37)

Looking for a teacher
... a teacher ought to be a stranger to the desire for domination, vain-glory, and pride; one should not be able to fool him by flattery, nor blind him by gifts, nor conquer him by the stomach, nor dominate him by anger; but he should be patient, gentle and humble as far as possible; he must be tested and without partisanship, full of concern, and a lover of souls.
(pp. 83-84, Amma Theodora 5)
Do not lay open your conscience to anyone whom you do not trust in your heart.
(p. 194, Abba Poemen 201)

Greetings,

Read "The Way of the Pilgrim", and get yourself a spiritual director before undertaking this kind of prayer.

Blessings,
Peter