Arrows of Prayer

Reflection 65 from Matters of the Heart, a series of Orthodox reflections on faith and life.

Verse: ‘And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”’ – Luke 18:38

And

‘And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”’ – Luke 18:13

The dialogue of our Saviour with a certain blind man reveals a great deal about the manner in which we should call upon the Name of the Lord. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”the man cried out incessantly and with a sincerity of heart. And to such a plea the Lord lovingly responds by extending His healing Hands.

Similarly, in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the Lord vividly illustrates the favoured manner in which the tax collector engages the Lord in prayer – with a genuine humility and contrition of heart the man implores, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

The two petitions in combination form the ancient, and uniquely Orthodox, Jesus Prayer. This simple arrow prayer manifests the glory of Jesus and the power of His Holy Name whilst pleading for His great mercy to pardon our sinfulness. In every occasion and with earnestness of heart recall this prayer and you will be brought into the presence of the Lord and granted a multitude of His tender mercies.

Prayer

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

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