Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #153894 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-20
• Released on: 2006-06-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

About the Author
Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807–1867) was a prominent spiritual writer in nineteenth-century Russia. On the Prayer of Jesus is taken from his several-volume Ascetical Works, as is his other famous work, The Arena.

Customer Reviews

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.

On the mystical power of the most ancient prayer
Concerning the mystical, *Jesus Prayer*:

The Russian mystic, Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807-1867)
(pronounced... Brian-Chan-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 sow Love,
That where there is Injury, let me sow Pardon,
That where there is Doubt, let me sow Faith,
That where there is Despair, let me sow Hope,
That where there is Darkness, let me sow Light,
That where there is Sadness, let me sow 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)

Very practical
This book, written by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov, is one of the best books on the subject of the Prayer of Jesus I have read so far. It is well written, easy to understand and very practically oriented. All the main aspects of the practice of this prayer, a jewel of spiritual life, are covered with clarity, grounded in Orthodox truth. One of the subjects I found most helpful was the chapter on the dangers of delusion. I recommend this book to any Christians who are interested in learning about the Jesus prayer or who want to go further in the practice of this prayerful way of life.