Prayer: The Jesus Prayer and Ceaseless Prayer

The anonymous author of "The Way of a Pilgrim," drawing on the Eastern Orthodox hesychast tradition, describes learning to pray without ceasing through the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." This short prayer, repeated rhythmically, becomes a bridge between formal prayer times and daily life.

The practice traces back to the Desert Fathers. Abba Macarius taught: "There is no need at all to make long discourses; it is enough to stretch out one's hands and say, 'Lord, as You will, and as You know, have mercy.' And if the conflict grows fiercer, say: 'Lord, help!' He knows very well what we need and He shows us His mercy." John Cassian likewise commended the repeated use of Psalm 70:1: "O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me."

Practical application: Choose a brief Scripture-based prayer such as "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me" or "Come, Lord Jesus." Repeat it slowly and deliberately for five minutes in the morning. Throughout the day, return to it during transitional moments: waiting in line, walking between rooms, before meals. Over weeks, the prayer begins to arise spontaneously.