In the First Epistle to the Thessalonians the Apostle
Paul says: "Pray without ceasing." How then, is one to pray unceasingly?
By often repeating the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have
mercy on me." By becoming accustomed to this appeal, great consolation and the need to continually make this petition
will be felt within, and it will be carried on, as if of itself, within one.
Although in the beginning the enemy of the human
race will offer hindrances to this, by causing great weariness, indolence,
boredom and overcoming sleep, having withstood all these with the help
of God, one will receive peace of soul, spiritual joy, a benevolent disposition
towards people, purification of thought, and gratitude towards God. In
the very Name of Jesus a great and graceful power is present Many holy
and righteous people advise repeating the Jesus Prayer as frequently as
possible; without interruption. It is necessary for everyone, whether eating,
drinking, sitting, serving, travelling, or in doing anything, to ceaselessly
lament: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me" in order that
the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in descending into the depths of our
hearts, may humble the serpent of destruction, and save and enlighten the
soul.
St. Seraphim of Sarov: " 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son
of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' Let your attention and instruction
be centered on this. Walking, eating, standing in church before the
beginning of the service, continue with the prayer; on entering and departing
keep this prayer on your lips and within your heart. In such a manner,
with the invocation of the Name
of God you will find peace, you will attain to purity of spirit and
body; and the Holy Spirit, the Origin of all good, will make for Himself
a dwelling within you and will guide you in all piety and purity."
Bishop Theophanes the Recluse: "To more conveniently become
accustomed to remembering God, the fervent Christian
has a special means, namely, to repeat ceaselessly a brief prayer of
two or three words. Mostly this is 'Lord, have mercy.' or 'Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' If you have not yet heard of this,
then hear it now, and if you have not done it, then begin from this hour
to do it."
Those who have truly decided to serve the Lord
God must train themselves in the rememberance of God and in unceasing
prayer to Jesus Christ, saying mentally: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of
God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Through such activity, and by guarding oneself from
distraction, and with the preservation of peace in one's conscience, it
is possible to draw near to God and to be united with Him. For, according
to the words of St. Isaac the Syrian, "Except
for unceasing prayer we cannot draw near to God" (St. Seraphim of Sarov).
Fr. John of Kronstadt also counselled frequently the use of the Prayer of Jesus.