An insightful analysis into prayer as the core practice of Christian spirituality and the Hesyschasm form...

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	• On the Prayer of Jesus Ignatius Brianchaninov New Seeds, 2006 - 176 pages average customer review:based on 5 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

An insightful analysis into prayer as the core practice of Christian spirituality and the Hesyschasm form of devotion

The newest addition to the distinguished "Ibis Western Mystery Tradition" series from Ibis Press, On The Prayer Of Jesus by Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807-1867 -- a monastic ascetic and Abbot of the Sergiev Monastery in 1834 who was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988) and translated for English readers by Father Lazarus offers an insightful analysis into prayer as the core practice of Christian spirituality and the Hesyschasm form of devotion. Deftly guiding readers through a truly comprehensive and studied understanding of prayer and its repetitive rhythm and nature, On The Prayer Of Jesus provides an easy-to-follow mapping of the Hesychasm's enabling attributes for opening the heart and mind for a productive and securing meditation in Christian practice, as exemplified by the wisdom of Bishop Ignatius Brianchanivov. On The Prayer Of Jesus is very highly recommended for all Christians searching for an ably translated work of the late Ignatius Brianchaninov's solidifying studies and wisdom endowed reflections on Jesus and the role of prayer within the Russian Orthodox Christian tradition.

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Authoratative, but heavy reading.

I found this book to be difficult to read, but I am fairly new to The Jesus Prayer and Orthodoxy. If you have some experience with The Jesus Prayer, I'm sure you will enjoy this text as it is well regarded. However, I felt like I needed something easier to read. If you're looking for inspiration and are fairly new to The Jesus Prayer, I'd recommend The Way of a Pilgrim (Shambala Classics) or The Art Of Prayer first prior to acquiring this book.

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On the mystical power of the most ancient prayer

Concerning the mystical, *Jesus Prayer*:

The Russian mystic, Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807-1867)
(pronounced... Brian-Kan-In-Nov), having studied the lives of the Saints and especially the earliest Desert Fathers from his youth, and who eventually became head of numerous monasteries in Russia beginning in 1832, authored this text on the history of the *Jesus Prayer*.

Ignatius B. became fascinated with a text circulating in Russia in the 1800's. This text was titled "Way of a Pilgrim" and we do not know who its author was, but it taught readers how to recite the *Jesus Prayer*. It was given diligent study by Ignatius B, and he employed the *Jesus Prayer* into his daily monastic practice. The book we are reviewing now expands upon the history on the prayer originally presented in "Way of a Pilgrim".

******VERY INFORMATIVE*******

Reported to be of the most ancient antiquity, the prayer is described as possessing the power to liberate and elevate. The focus is upon INWARD prayer, not church liturgical worship.

"Way of a Pilgrim" is mentioned in J. D. Salinger's famous short story, "Franny & Zooey" where the mystical prayer becomes the object of fascination of a young college co-ed.

Ignatius B's book, though over a hundred years old, is an easy read. It's theology is straightforward and easy to understand. Altogether, it draws the reader in. For those looking for "answers"...this is certainly the sort of thing to consider.

******The Prayer Itself*********

"Lord Jesus Christ----Son of God---------have mercy on me a sinner."

**********My Personal Counsel on the matter of MYSTICAL prayer**********

If the reader will forgive me, I must give some counsel here on the subject of mystical prayer, especially for those in their youth. Mysticism is inherently a way of power. One does feel uplifted. One needs to be careful of the tendency to give away all of one's possessions, forget all of one's family and friends, and live one's life as some "escapest" idyll, where one only prays and does no work. This was never the intention of the authors. SELFISHNESS and SELF-CENTEREDNESS are never part of the spritual path. This is not to be construed as a prohibition against MONASTICISM however. There, one prays, and WORKS.

Human existence is always a balancing act, finding harmony between the Spiritual and the Physical. To deny entirely the existence of the Physical, to seek only the Spiritual is a certain formula for Spiritual disaster. The Gospel of Jesus requires that we live in this world (taking up the cross of our body), and that we take an interest in the lives of those around us. We are to seek to be of maximum service to those around us. To this end, the practitioner ought to hold a job and to be of service to his fellow man.
Remember to be IN the world, just not OF it.

With this provision, the recitation of the *Jesus Prayer* can be undertaken to obtain the benefits of peace, and to free one from the tyranny of human emotions and passion. (I'm getting a little better every week! Heh heh!)

There are other prayers that can be effective to transform us. Another common one is that which is attributed to St. Francis of Assissi, the "Peace Prayer" as Catholics refer to it. Actually, scholars have found that this prayer was in use prior to St. Francis. Thus, it has another source; but St. Francis may have taken advantage of that prayer also. It is my feeling, that this prayer can be awkward however, both in learning and recitation. Something of it's original language and rythm may be missing. I have altered it slightly so that it has a specific rythm, and humbly offer it here if someone should wish to employ it. I have found it pleasant to alternate it, at various times, with the "Jesus Prayer". Prayer can sometimes come more naturally, if it is possessed of a certain natural rythm.

The Peace Prayer
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
That where there is Hatred, let me sew Love,
That where there is Injury, let me sew Pardon,
That where there is Doubt, let me sew Faith,
That where there is Despair, let me sew Hope,
That where there is Darkness, let me sew Light,
That where there is Sadness, let me sew Joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be Consoled, as to Console.
That I may not so much seek to be Understood, as to Understand.
That I may not so much seek to be Loved, as to Love.
For it is by Pardoning, that we are Pardoned.
It is by Giving that we Receive.
And it is by Dying that we are born into Life Eternal.
(version of the 'Peace Prayer' by Bruce R. Bain)

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A Guide to the "Prayer of Jesus"

This is a guide and an explanatory to the Prayer of Jesus, as taught and practiced around the world in monasteries and hermitages. It is the prayer which is focused in the book The Way of the Pilgriim(a must read). This book should be read by all persons who want to practice the Prayer of Jesus daily. It is a primer on the correct methods for practicing this prayer. A GOOD READ, and worthy of attention for christians.

Guidance towards a prayerful heart

This book is certainly a beneficial book to go to after reading "The Way of the Pilgrim". In fact, it is absolutely necessary for the reader to go to a book such as this to bring a clearer understanding of ceaseless prayer. Most who read "The Way of a Pilgrim" will in fact come out of reading it thinking that they have the hidden keys to the portal of ceaseless prayer, when really, one who has read that book has only begun to understand. One will find that "On the Prayer of Jesus" will make the picture of the matter clearer (but certainly not whole). Hopefully through reading this, one will find the ardent need to have a priest for guidance so that they can begin a healthy life of awareness of God. And, hopefully, one will see the necessity of putting this wisdom to use within the Orthodox context.

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Thousands have fallen in love with the anonymously authored book The Way of a Pilgrim?the account of an ordinary man's encounter with the Eastern Orthodox Christian practice of the Jesus Prayer, which consists of the constant repetition of the short phrase, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me." Here is the perfect introduction to this life-changing practice, as it was taught by one of the great spiritual lights of Russia. Bishop Ignatius Brianchaniov (1807?1867) provides wise instruction and advice covering all aspects of the practice, from how to get started, to approaching difficulties that arise, to dealing with friends and family who don't get what you're doing, to making this prayer (also called the Prayer of the Heart) the foundation of your life.

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