Several times a day, going to or coming from church, we monks pass by an image of the Risen Christ in our main corridor that links our living quarters and church.
Surrounding the icon Christ, pictured below, are the words of what is called “the Jesus Prayer,” that is, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”
For centuries, Christian monks have been encouraged to repeat this short prayer over and over, so as to be more attentive to God’s presence at all times in one’s life. It is a way too for keeping one’s mind in a wholesome and holy place, rather than dwelling on useless or destructive thoughts.
Of course the Jesus Prayer is not the exclusive domain of monks, but intended for all who seek the face of the Lord in their daily lives.
May this new week find us all more focused on God in our lives, and less turned in on self and one’s problems.
Abbot Christian and the monks
