Have you ever heard of “The Jesus Prayer”?
It’s an ancient prayer that goes like this: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” It’s common for people to repeat it—as if on a loop—as they go about their day.
It comes from a variety of different statements in the Bible which have been patched together. For example, Jesus is often called “Lord” and “Son of God.” The beggar in Luke 18:38 says: “have mercy on me.” Earlier in verse 13, a tax collector also asked for mercy and identified himself as “a sinner.”
Mother Natalia has made a practice of using this prayer. She says the words in conjunction with her breathing. She likens it to breathing in Jesus’ mercy, and then breathing out her sin.*
If you have trouble keeping your mind focussed as you go throughout your day, let me make a suggestion. Use a short, biblical phrase, and put it on a loop.
I often use “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:38).
Here are a few others:
“Lord, help me” (Matthew 15:25).
“I love you, O LORD, my strength” (Psalm 18:1).
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
“Father, glorify your name” (John 12:28).
These are short, biblical, and prayerful.
It can also be helpful to simply use the name “Jesus.” There’s an old hymn that says “there is power in the name.” And it’s true!
There is more than one way to pray. Let’s centre ourselves in Christ and be a part of his kingdom, not only “out there,” but within.
Notes:
-Note: As of August 10, I am on vacation. However, The Up Daily Devotional will continue daily until August 21, then go on pause for 2 weeks, resuming on September 7, 2026.
-*On the ‘Pints with Aquinas’ podcast, “The Jesus Prayer for Beginners,” released on Apple Podcasts on June 18, 2026.
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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