Just Curious

"Ceaseless prayer"

I recently posted this message on the yahoo mail group of Friends Institute, an organization run by young Quakers age 18-40. It's kinda' interesting.

Dear friends,

As a recent convert to the Quaker faith (or the "Truth"), I have found it useful to read pamphlets and books written by seasoned Friends. One of these, John Punshon's "Encounter with Silence," addresses the difference between stillness and mere silence. The following is the author's words:

"What goes on in the silence is far more important. It is stillness...not the absense of noise, which is the sign of true Friends' worship. Stillness is a personal quality, not something in the environment."

He then mentioned Friends' worship in wartime Europe, under shell-fire, etc. He also mentioned how a state of stillness cannot be achieved through mere meditation, but that it has to be achieved through the desire to "wait upon the Lord." (to cite Howard Brinton).

It was at this point that I noticed a book written by an anonymous Eastern Orthodox monk, called "Jesus Prayer." The "Jesus Prayer" is a common prayer said by Orthodox monks and laymen. It is the repetition of a very simple phrase, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Despite its simple structure, it addressed all major issues of theology as well as humble admission of our own imperfection.

There are many levels at which this prayer could be said. It could be said aloud, as the Russian monks do, or it could be said in heart. Usually, beginners said it for 10-15 minutes in heart every day in the morning and after sunset. It was done by the Orthodox to follow the apostle Paul's command that Christians should pray ceaselessly. After a while, believers are free to choose their own words in this prayer. It could be something like "Lord have mercy," "Enlighten us O Lord," or anything one finds appropriate.

I find this to be interesting to Friends, as early Friends also prayed in stillness in Meeting for Worship. Not only did they pray, they also sang psalms in their hearts. I am interested in knowing whether the saying of the "Jesus Prayer" in our hearts could lead us to stillness more effectively than just sitting on the very uncomfortable pews in our Meetinghouses. In fact, "stillness" was exactly the word the Russian monk used in his book.

posted by James Chang @ 5:40 PM