One of the oldest prayers in Christendom, dating from the time of the desert fathers, is known as the Jesus Prayer. Its classic form is: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” It is often abbreviated to “Lord have mercy” or “Lord Jesus, have mercy.” Although the origin of the prayer is unknown, one of the early church fathers, John Cassian, wrote that this type of prayer leads to inner stillness, and as early as the fourth century, prayers of this type were known as arrow prayers.
Arrow prayers are like short darts shot towards heaven. Short prayers for busy people. We all know that Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) is easier said than done. Perhaps life in a monastery with its daily round of community prayer and its established times for meditation brings people closer to this ideal, but I suspect that even there the world intrudes. How much more difficult is it for us in the office, classroom, or shop? Arrow prayers provide a helpful if not perfect solution.
The Jesus Prayer may be said anywhere and under any circumstances. Either recited aloud or said silently, the prayer connects us momentarily with God. As we repeat the prayer throughout the day, we grow in closeness to God. With this closeness comes the inner stillness and peace to counteract the din of the world. William Law wrote: “He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life.” Why not try shooting a few arrows God’s way.
