Let us pray the Jesus Prayer as often as possible

The Jesus Prayer is said like this: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” At first, it was said without the addition of the word “sinner,” which was added later. This word, which contains in itself the recognition and confession of the fall, notes the Venerable Nil Sorsky, is suitable for us and pleasing to God, Who commanded us to offer prayers to Him from the recognition and confession of our sinfulness.

For beginners, making allowance for their weakness, the Fathers allow the prayer to be divided into two halves, saying sometimes: “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner!”, and at other times: “Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”. However, this is only a permission and a descent, and by no means a commandment and an ordinance that requires unwavering fulfillment. It is much better to always pray the entire prayer, without occupying and spreading the mind with the care of changing the halves. Even he who has received this permission, which is absolutely necessary for his weakness, this alternation, should not often allow himself to do it. For example: you can pray with one half of the prayer until noon, and with the other, after noon. Putting a stop to the frequent change of halves, the Most Venerable Gregory of Sinai says, “Trees that are often transplanted from one side to another do not take root.”

Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov

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