THE JESUS PRAYER - A SIMPLE PRAYER, BUT NOT COMPLETE
By Synthia Esther
May 13, 2012 - Updated: January 4, 2016
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." How could a simple prayer usher in the power of the Holy Spirit in such a profound way? This short prayer, asking for forgiveness of sins, is esteemed and advocated by many Christians. However, in making use of, "The Jesus Prayer", we must always remember not to formulate this short prayer, as some do. Saying the same prayer over and over again, in vain repetition much like a mantra, is a heathen practice (Matthew 6:7). Likewise, it is wrong to concentrate on each breach, and in contemplation, weigh each word, for this goes against God's will for our prayer life (Philippians 4:6-7). The Jesus Prayer is simple, but not complete in and of itself.
God seeks a relationship with us through prayer, not a mind altering, ritualistic trance experience or contemplating practice. As we reach out in faith by way of expressing prayers to our Holy Father, we grow to know and love Him more, as His Holy Spirit is ushered in by sincere prayer. Talk to God, like you would a friend. For He is a friend upon whom you can depend. Prayer being a transpersonal experience, in that we are praying to God, who is spirit, reaching the very throne room of His indwelling presence. It is by and through our spiritual intent through prayer, that we reach Him. For His Holy Spirit lives within all who claim Him as Lord (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19).
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner", is a prayer of repentance. As I prayed the prayer I felt God's grace. For indeed, I am a sinner saved by grace. As are all born again Christians (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:10). It is by and through the power of Jesus Christ's shed blood on the cross of Calvary, we are redeemed by the blood of the lamb of sacrifice. The very name of Jesus, yields forth Holy spiritual power! Make no mistake about it, God hears and answers our prayers as He is almighty in strength. As we open our hearts to Him and make our desires known, with purity of heart holding no secret sin. He is faithful to cleanse our thoughts and inspire us to go and sin no more.
"When day is come, why then come I Simple in life's complexity, To drink thy loveliness and pray That I may walk the trodden way." - Author unknown.
"The Jesus Prayer", as it has come to be known, plays an important part in our prayer life in walking the trodden way, as we daily repent of our sins before God. However, our prayers to God should not, and do not end there. As we grow in faith and dependence upon the Lord, our prayer life will naturally increase. Our walk will include talking with God, thanking and praising Him, throughout the day. For the least of things, and the greatest. Even if we have to do so in the silent recesses of our mind, so as not to disturb others. By yielding to God in prayer, The Holy Spirit begins to prompt us to pray more! Even for those we may, or may not have met or know.
HOW JESUS PRAYED
Examples of how and what to pray for are best found in reviewing the prayer life of Jesus Christ (Luke 11). Jesus prayed for guidance (Mark 1:32), and He prayed for others (John 17:11). Jesus praised the Holy Father, and gave thanksgiving before Him (Luke 10:21; Mark 14:22). Jesus prayed in reverent submission (Matthew 26:39), and in times of anguish and despair (Luke 22:44). God heard and honored our Lord and Savior's prayers, and He will do the same for you! Our prayers are so important to God, He instructs us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
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A PURPOSEFUL PRAYER
God, Holy Father, you are my Redeemer, Savior, and Friend.
I come before you with complete spiritual dependency.
For only you Lord, know best how to answer my prayers.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
In asking your forgiveness, I pray for empowered strength by your Holy Spirit, to go and sin no more.
I thank you for sin's salvation plan, and for your grace, mercy, and love.
I give you praise, for all you have done in the past, are doing, and will do in the future.
I submit my life to you Lord, and trust you in all your decisions.
I have unsaved loved ones, both friends and family alike.
In faith, I ask your Holy Spirit to come into their life,
providing evidence of your love so that they might know and grow to love you too.
I have needs Lord, all of which you have knowledge of. I thank you in advance for meeting those needs.
I despair Lord, and often, over all the evil, strife, and injustice in the World.
I pray you bring peace to those in anguish, and all who call upon your name.
I ask these things in your precious Holy Name,
Amen.
By Synthia Esther, January 2, 2016
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Copyright - 2012-2016, Synthia Esther. All Rights Reserved.
