Guidance with the Jesus Prayer

[stavros388]

I spoke with the local Catholic priest, and I will be making a profession of faith at weekday Mass in a week or two, and officially joining the Catholic Church. One of the practices that I bring with me from Orthodoxy is the recital (often silent) of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” While I haven’t made any serious progress with the prayer, I have been using it for several years.

In Orthodoxy, everyone is encouraged to use the Jesus Prayer, but anyone using it for extended periods, or wanting to attempt to deepen their experience with the prayer, is meant to do so only under the guidance of one having much experience with it, most commonly a monastic.

Do Eastern Catholics commonly use this prayer? And if so, is it possible to get guidance from an elder or monk in the use of the Jesus Prayer within the Eastern Catholic Church?

Thanks in advance!
Steve

 

[ajecphotos]

Not sure what the forum rules are on this?

I have read a little about the Jesus Prayer

 

[hazcompat]

I am roman catholic and use the Jesus prayer, my pastor wears his chotki in the confessional. As “The way of the pilgrim and the pilgrim continues his way” Pg4 states:

“ceaseless interrior prayer is a continuous aspiration and a yearning of the spirit of man toward God. To succeed in this sweet exercise it is necessary to ask God frequently that He teach you to pray continuously. Pray often and fervently and prayer itself will reveal this mystery to you, how it is possible for it to be continuous, but it takes time.”

Have a pleasant journey. God bless.

Peace

 

[AnthonyJ]

First, congratulations on being received into the Catholic Church!

As to your questions, I know the pastor at the local Byzantine Catholic parish near me wears a chotki on his wrist and prays the Jesus prayer. He has encouraged others to pray it as well. If there is an Eastern Catholic parish or monastery close to you, I would say yes ask the priest or monastic for guidance on the Jesus prayer.

I spoke with the local Catholic priest, and I will be making a profession of faith at weekday Mass in a week or two, and officially joining the Catholic Church. One of the practices that I bring with me from Orthodoxy is the recital (often silent) of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” While I haven’t made any serious progress with the prayer, I have been using it for several years.

In Orthodoxy, everyone is encouraged to use the Jesus Prayer, but anyone using it for extended periods, or wanting to attempt to deepen their experience with the prayer, is meant to do so only under the guidance of one having much experience with it, most commonly a monastic.

Do Eastern Catholics commonly use this prayer? And if so, is it possible to get guidance from an elder or monk in the use of the Jesus Prayer within the Eastern Catholic Church?

Thanks in advance!
Steve

 

[stavros388]

I am roman catholic and use the Jesus prayer, my pastor wears his chotki in the confessional. As “The way of the pilgrim and the pilgrim continues his way” Pg4 states:

“ceaseless interrior prayer is a continuous aspiration and a yearning of the spirit of man toward God. To succeed in this sweet exercise it is necessary to ask God frequently that He teach you to pray continuously. Pray often and fervently and prayer itself will reveal this mystery to you, how it is possible for it to be continuous, but it takes time.”

Have a pleasant journey. God bless.

Peace

Thank you. That wonderful little book is what first attracted me to the Jesus Prayer.

 

[stavros388]

First, congratulations on being received into the Catholic Church!

As to your questions, I know the pastor at the local Byzantine Catholic parish near me wears a chotki on his wrist and prays the Jesus prayer. He has encouraged others to pray it as well. If there is an Eastern Catholic parish or monastery close to you, I would say yes ask the priest or monastic for guidance on the Jesus prayer.

Due to my location, I may have to drive quite a ways. But this is encouraging. Thanks!

 

[julietta]

first, congratulations on being received into the catholic church!

As to your questions, i know the pastor at the local byzantine catholic parish near me wears a chotki on his wrist and prays the jesus prayer. He has encouraged others to pray it as well. If there is an eastern catholic parish or monastery close to you, i would say yes ask the priest or monastic for guidance on the jesus prayer.

hi iam a roman catholic
and i dont know much about this prayer
i read a load of books palms and iam currentley reading the city of god and gk chesterton
may the lord bless you
lord jesus we thank you for dying for our sins may we always ask for grace to know you and keep you ever so close and share your love truth and gospel to all with your mercy open hearts pur hearts and mind

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

I spoke with the local Catholic priest, and I will be making a profession of faith at weekday Mass in a week or two, and officially joining the Catholic Church. One of the practices that I bring with me from Orthodoxy is the recital (often silent) of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” While I haven’t made any serious progress with the prayer, I have been using it for several years.

In Orthodoxy, everyone is encouraged to use the Jesus Prayer, but anyone using it for extended periods, or wanting to attempt to deepen their experience with the prayer, is meant to do so only under the guidance of one having much experience with it, most commonly a monastic.

Do Eastern Catholics commonly use this prayer? And if so, is it possible to get guidance from an elder or monk in the use of the Jesus Prayer within the Eastern Catholic Church?

Thanks in advance!
Steve

Hello Steve and welcome to the Catholic Church.

Eastern Catholics (at least of the Byzantine tradition) do commonly pray the Jesus Prayer, and it is becoming increasingly more widely encouraged. It is admittedly, however, very difficult to find a spiritual father/mother who is experienced in the exercise of the Jesus Prayer. My suggestion, make use of all of your available resources - both Catholic and Orthodox. If there is an Orthodox monastery near you, then see if one of the monks or nuns would be willing to guide you through the Jesus Prayer. Alternatively, if there is an experienced Catholic (Roman, Byzantine, Maronite, Coptic, whatever) priest, monk or nun, then seek guidance from them as well.

In his book The Inner Kingdom, as well as in a number of his lectures on the subject, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Kallistos (Timothy) Ware also offers a number of suggestions in the event that one is unable to find a long-term spiritual guide. 1) Read the writings of the saints. 2) Maintain close friendships with one’s brothers and sisters in Christ who are also walking the spiritual path. 3) Embrace the “words” of a spiritual elder that you’ve met once or twice.

Sts. Theophan the Recluse and Ignatius Brianchaninov also strongly suggest reading the writings of the saints.

Above all, according to St. Theophan, it is best to maintain a humble attitude, the attitude of a “perpetual beginner” in the spiritual life. This attitude can go a long way in help one to avoid many potential dangers, pitfalls, and delusions one often encounters on the spiritual journey.

A final word of advice, don’t be afraid to talk with experienced lay people about the Jesus Prayer. St. Theophan the Recluse himself stated that he learned the Prayer from a layman! Laypeople who are experienced in the spiritual life can also be a fantastic source of guidance as well as exemplary examples of holiness.

Blessings to you in your new venture.

ICXC + NIKA,
Phillip

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

I am roman catholic and use the Jesus prayer, my pastor wears his chotki in the confessional. As “The way of the pilgrim and the pilgrim continues his way” Pg4 states:

“ceaseless interrior prayer is a continuous aspiration and a yearning of the spirit of man toward God. To succeed in this sweet exercise it is necessary to ask God frequently that He teach you to pray continuously. Pray often and fervently and prayer itself will reveal this mystery to you, how it is possible for it to be continuous, but it takes time.”

Have a pleasant journey. God bless.

Peace

Hey Pat! How is the prayer rope holding up?

 

[hazcompat]

Hey Pat! How is the prayer rope holding up?

Fantastic Phillip, I am ready to order another! Is the process the same? I think I have your website in my favorites. I always say a few for you and your family! Awhile ago you posted re “The Pilgim” and " The Art of Prayer". I purchased both. I have become a fan of St. Theophan and keep it on my nightstand for after compline. God be with you and your family. You are our “Master Beadsman”

Peace

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

Fantastic Phillip, I am ready to order another! Is the process the same? I think I have your website in my favorites. I always say a few for you and your family! Awhile ago you posted re “The Pilgim” and " The Art of Prayer". I purchased both. I have become a fan of St. Theophan and keep it on my nightstand for after compline. God be with you and your family. You are our “Master Beadsman”

Peace

Hi Pat,

Send me an email and we can work out your prayer rope order.

St. Theophan is definitely one of my favorite authors. He writes in a very clear and straightforward style with no pretenses. I love it. I think the next book of his that I get will be his “Inner Warfare” (I could be wrong on the title). Essentially it is a version of “The Spiritual Combat” revised and edited by both St. Theophan and St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain.

Do send me an email and we can catch up.

 

[Incomplete]

I spoke with the local Catholic priest, and I will be making a profession of faith at weekday Mass in a week or two, and officially joining the Catholic Church. One of the practices that I bring with me from Orthodoxy is the recital (often silent) of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” While I haven’t made any serious progress with the prayer, I have been using it for several years.

In Orthodoxy, everyone is encouraged to use the Jesus Prayer, but anyone using it for extended periods, or wanting to attempt to deepen their experience with the prayer, is meant to do so only under the guidance of one having much experience with it, most commonly a monastic.

Do Eastern Catholics commonly use this prayer? And if so, is it possible to get guidance from an elder or monk in the use of the Jesus Prayer within the Eastern Catholic Church?

Thanks in advance!
Steve

Have you asked your priest if there is anyone locally? I am Catholic and learned the Jesus Prayer from my priest, so it is possible your priest could help you, or know someone who can.

 

[stavros388]

Hello Steve and welcome to the Catholic Church.

Eastern Catholics (at least of the Byzantine tradition) do commonly pray the Jesus Prayer, and it is becoming increasingly more widely encouraged. It is admittedly, however, very difficult to find a spiritual father/mother who is experienced in the exercise of the Jesus Prayer. My suggestion, make use of all of your available resources - both Catholic and Orthodox. If there is an Orthodox monastery near you, then see if one of the monks or nuns would be willing to guide you through the Jesus Prayer. Alternatively, if there is an experienced Catholic (Roman, Byzantine, Maronite, Coptic, whatever) priest, monk or nun, then seek guidance from them as well.

In his book The Inner Kingdom, as well as in a number of his lectures on the subject, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Kallistos (Timothy) Ware also offers a number of suggestions in the event that one is unable to find a long-term spiritual guide. 1) Read the writings of the saints. 2) Maintain close friendships with one’s brothers and sisters in Christ who are also walking the spiritual path. 3) Embrace the “words” of a spiritual elder that you’ve met once or twice.

Sts. Theophan the Recluse and Ignatius Brianchaninov also strongly suggest reading the writings of the saints.

Above all, according to St. Theophan, it is best to maintain a humble attitude, the attitude of a “perpetual beginner” in the spiritual life. This attitude can go a long way in help one to avoid many potential dangers, pitfalls, and delusions one often encounters on the spiritual journey.

A final word of advice, don’t be afraid to talk with experienced lay people about the Jesus Prayer. St. Theophan the Recluse himself stated that he learned the Prayer from a layman! Laypeople who are experienced in the spiritual life can also be a fantastic source of guidance as well as exemplary examples of holiness.

Blessings to you in your new venture.

ICXC + NIKA,
Phillip

This is great advice, thank you. I am so glad to learn that some Eastern Catholics such as yourself are familiar with and embrace the teachings of St. Theophan the Recluse! I have always valued his teachings and insights greatly.

 

[stavros388]

Have you asked your priest if there is anyone locally? I am Catholic and learned the Jesus Prayer from my priest, so it is possible your priest could help you, or know someone who can.

Well, I told him that I use the Jesus Prayer, but he didn’t seem very familiar with it. It is a small Roman Catholic parish in a rural area, quite far from any real cities. I imagine the nearest Eastern Catholic parish is at least 3 hours away. So I am really not sure if it is much used around here. Perhaps I will bring it up again with him some time.

But I am very encouraged to know that this precious prayer is being used among Catholics.

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

This is great advice, thank you. I am so glad to learn that some Eastern Catholics such as yourself are familiar with and embrace the teachings of St. Theophan the Recluse! I have always valued his teachings and insights greatly.

You may find that an increasing number of Eastern Catholics are returning to their Eastern roots. Although I grew up in the Roman tradition, I readily embraced the Melkite Greek/Byzantine Catholic (i.e. Catholic equivalent to the Antiochian Orthodox) tradition, and am now discovering the Maronite tradition since I don’t really have access to a Melkite parish. The Melkites especially are known for their widespread (re)embracing of their Orthodox roots. This is what has lead me to study the writings contained in the Philokalia, along with the writings of St. Theophan and a good number of other Orthodox saints.

As I mentioned before, St. Theophan is so clear and without pretense that his style is very appealing. St. Ignatius Brianchaninov writes in a similarly clear style, and his books, [The Arena/I] and On the Prayer of Jesus, deserve a great deal of attention as well. St. Theophan himself recommends the writings of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk contained in the book Journey to Heaven. I’ve not yet made it completely through that work, but what I’ve read has been fantastic.

 

[Incomplete]

Well, I told him that I use the Jesus Prayer, but he didn’t seem very familiar with it. It is a small Roman Catholic parish in a rural area, quite far from any real cities. I imagine the nearest Eastern Catholic parish is at least 3 hours away. So I am really not sure if it is much used around here. Perhaps I will bring it up again with him some time.

But I am very encouraged to know that this precious prayer is being used among Catholics.

It is a precious prayer!

I taught it to a close Protestant friend. She loves it.

 

[ajecphotos]

From what i understand about reading about this prayer is that one can say it over and over again throughout the day. Is this right? I did mention it to my local priest and he said an alternate is to say, " Jesus i trust in you".

Anyone say the Jesus prayer continuously?

 

[GuyNextDoor]

From what i understand about reading about this prayer is that one can say it over and over again throughout the day. Is this right? I did mention it to my local priest and he said an alternate is to say, " Jesus i trust in you".

Anyone say the Jesus prayer continuously?

Yes you can pray it continuously and at any time of the day. Alternatively, “Jesus I trust in You” is a Divine Mercy ejaculation St. Faustina frequently used, you can use that too.

God Bless,
GuyNextDoor

 

[ajecphotos]

Can a Chotki be 10 beads? I want to make one myself with a crucifix on it. To pray the Jesus Prayer.

 

[Phillip_Rolfes]

Can a Chotki be 10 beads? I want to make one myself with a crucifix on it. To pray the Jesus Prayer.

One can certainly make a 10 knot/bead chotki. From what I’ve found, chotkis have traditionally had 10, 12, 33, 50, 100, 109, 150, or 300 knots. Since the chotki is not really a “chaplet” - in the Roman sense where there are a set number of prayers and sometimes even specific prayers for specific beads - but is simply a tool meant to aid concentration and to count the number of repetitions of a prayer, there is a great deal more freedom in regards to numbering.