Concerning the Jesus Prayer

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." If one becomes 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 over-powering sleep, having withstood which, a person will then, having succeeded, experience great benefit from this prayer.It is beneficial to say this prayer aloud, in a low voice, or mentally, depending on circumstances. But it is essential that when saying it one stand before God with great reverence and humility, with a contrite heart, without any fantasizing or imagining.Saint Seraphim of Sarov: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of Thy most pure Mother, have mercy on us." One can also say: "Have mercy on me, a sinner."