Prayer: The Arrow Prayer: Short Prayers Throughout the Day

The Desert Fathers practiced what later writers called "arrow prayers" or "ejaculatory prayers" -- brief, intense cries of the heart shot heavenward throughout the day. John Cassian reported that the Egyptian monks favored Psalm 70:1: "O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me." Augustine commended the practice of the Egyptian monks who "are said to have very frequent but very brief prayers, thrown out as if suddenly, lest that watchful and alert attention, so necessary for one who prays, should by long continuance be weakened."

These short prayers served as anchors, repeatedly drawing the mind back to God. They required no special posture, location, or liturgy -- only a heart turned toward God. The Fathers taught that many brief prayers are often more effective than a single long session, because they sanctify the whole day rather than just one portion.

Practical application: Choose three arrow prayers to use today: "Lord, have mercy" for moments of difficulty; "Thank You, Father" for moments of beauty; "Come, Holy Spirit" for moments of uncertainty. Use each naturally throughout the day. Over time, these brief prayers create a continuous undercurrent of prayer beneath all your activities.