Introduction to the Jesus Prayer
by Mother Alexandra (H.R.H. Princess Ileana of Romania)
The Jesus Prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner."
I first became drawn to the Jesus Prayer during my time in Romania, at a small monastery in Smbata, tucked at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Its little white church, reflected in a crystal-clear mountain pond, was a place of profound peace and silence. There, I met a monk who practiced the "prayer of the heart."
Though the prayer lay dormant in my heart for some years, it became central to my spiritual life after reading The Way of a Pilgrim. Since then, I have sought to practice it continually. Even when I falter, the Jesus Prayer opens vast and unexpected horizons within the soul.
The Nature and Power of the Prayer
The Jesus Prayer, also called the Prayer of the Heart, centers on the Holy Name of Jesus. Its complete form is:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner."
It may be shortened, personalized, or even expressed simply as “Jesus.” The power lies not in the words themselves, but in the Holy Name.
Its roots stretch back to the New Testament and early monastic practice. St. Simeon the New Theologian (949–1022), at age fourteen, had a vision of heavenly light and, overwhelmed with humility and joy, cried out, borrowing the Publican’s prayer: “Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me” (Luke 18:13). The prayer gradually evolved into the form we use today, passed down through generations of monks and laypeople.
Historical Context
The invocation of the Holy Name is not unique to Orthodoxy; Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestant traditions use it as well. On Mount Sinai and Mount Athos, monks developed a contemplative system around this simple prayer, practiced in silence. These monks became known as Hesychasts, and St. Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) defended their practice, establishing the Jesus Prayer firmly within Orthodox tradition.
In Romania, the Neamțu Monastery became a center for this prayer in the 18th century. Its spiritual focus on Jesus aligns with the New Testament injunctions:
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Prayer in His Name: “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23–24).
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Pray Without Ceasing: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
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Private, Heartfelt Prayer: “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret” (Matthew 6:6).
The Jesus Prayer is therefore a simple, practical, and deeply mystical way to cultivate a continual communion with God.
Practice of the Prayer
The prayer should be:
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Secret: Done with humility, without display or ostentation.
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Alone: Away from distractions, yet conscious of being part of the body of Christ, accompanied by angels, saints, and fellow believers.
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Silent: Spoken quietly, or repeated inwardly, focusing on the essence of the Name rather than the words themselves.
One does not need to meditate on the words. Like loving someone wholly without thinking about it, one entrusts oneself entirely to Jesus. Thoughts that stray—even good ones—can become obstacles. The prayer is often synchronized with the rhythm of the heartbeat, repeated gently and lovingly, bringing the heart into constant awareness of Christ.
Benefits and Grace
Regular practice transforms daily life:
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Joy and peace in ordinary activities
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Encouragement and focus in work or travel
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Blessing for family and community
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Continuity of prayer, even during sleep
I experienced this personally during surgery: though unconscious, “Jesus” remained my last thought before anesthesia and my first upon waking. This demonstrates how prayer, when cultivated, becomes an uninterrupted communion with God and with all who pray.
The Jesus Prayer is not the exclusive path for every soul, but for those who embrace it, it brings profound spiritual depth, joy, and union with Christ.
Practical Guidance
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Establish regular times for prayer
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Choose a quiet place, ideally with an icon
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Use aids like prayer ropes or quietly close your eyes
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Repeat the prayer thoughtfully, lovingly, and unhurriedly
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Focus fully on Jesus Himself, not on words or techniques
Even in brief moments, the prayer draws the soul toward God. Over time, it fosters the continual, unceasing prayer that the New Testament exhorts, uniting the practitioner with the living Body of Christ.