Oh God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
This prayer forms the basis of the Jesus Prayer which is said by Eastern Christians. The practice uses the Holy Name of Jesus, which is very powerful, to begin this prayer of the heart, and is said continually throughout the day to fulfill St. Paul's admonition to pray without ceasing.
Practice
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
have mercy on me,
a sinner,
is used. It could be
Lord Jesus Christ,
have mercy
on me,
or even as simple as,
Jesus, mercy.
It is often said on an Orthodox prayer rope, usually with either 33, 100 or 300 knots. The smaller prayer rope is sometimes worn as a bracelet, which would be a wonderful reminder to pray during the day.
Dymphna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for calling to mind the power of the Name and this prayer. When I don't know how to pray or have no words to express my prayer, I simply pray,"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.." The Name says it all, "Savior."