The Jesus Prayer is an old tradition that comes from a Scriptural narrative. In the gospel of Matthew Jesus is often called the “Son of David” in order to prove that he is the fulfillment of prophesy that from David will come a savior. Primarily, when Jesus heals he is called “Son of David” as in Matthew 20:29-34:
29 As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.
30 There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!"
31 The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!"
32 Jesus stood still and called them, saying, "What do you want me to do for you?"
33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened."
34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
This call to Jesus by those seeking healing (of all sorts) has been a long standing Christian Tradition.
Guidelines
1. The traditional Jesus prayer is “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” This is an evolution from Scripture’s “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David.” You may use either of the sentences or a variation of your own. There is, however, something to be said for tradition, which has done the sifting work of finding a sentence that has proven fruitful to many.
2. The Jesus prayer is a breathing prayer. As you inhale think of the first part of the sentence, e.g. “Lord Jesus, Son of God.” As you exhale think of the last part of the sentence, e.g. “have mercy on me a sinner.”
3. Because the Jesus prayer is short you can find yourself saying it only once during a busy day, or many times over an extended period of prayer. Some have developed the discipline of this prayer with every breath they take, so that literally every breath is a prayer to God. If such a discipline interests you, you will need help in achieving this. Talk to a spiritual director, pastor, or Christian friend who can help with accountability and reflective discernment.
