Jesus Prayer

St. Barsanouphius of Optina

The practice of the Jesus Prayer is very important. In Optina all the monks are obliged to pray the "Five-Hundred" daily. This is a Rule consisting of three hundred Jesus Prayers, one hundred to the Mother of God, fifty to one's Guardian Angel and fifty to all Saints.

Although this Rule is mandatory only for monks, it would be good if Lay people practiced it as much as possible. It's likewise good to read the Ninetieth and Fiftieth Psalms daily. It's beneficial to read the Ninetieth Psalm-He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High-three times a day: in the morning, at midday and in the evening. At midday a person is especially attacked by "the demon of noonday," and it is this psalm that chases him far away.

The Apostle Peter says, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). How essential it is, therefore, to always practice the Jesus Prayer, which is a strong weapon against the enemy! The Lord said, In My name shall they cast out devils (Mark 16:17). This prayer reveals to man the eternal mysteries of God.

There were two friends who labored ascetically in Siberia-Basi-lisk and Zosima. The latter was an educated man, while the former was illiterate. Despite such a difference, they sincerely loved and complemented one another. Basilisk, though he was illiterate, was distinguished by his exalted spiritual life. The ceaseless practice of the Jesus Prayer afforded him inexpressible sweetness and led him into the depths of the knowledge of God. Often, when Zosima would come to see Basilisk, the latter would be in such a state of spiritual ecstasy that he could not carry on a normal conversation. Basilisk imparted lofty truths to Zosima, who wrote them down and later even published a book. However, much was not included in it, since Basilisk did not permit him to write everything down.

You too, my children, practice this prayer according to your strength; it will preserve you from every evil. Doing it, you will gradually acquire meekness, humility, and mildness. You will become conscious of your shortcomings, you will not want to judge your neighbor, and you will regard your enemies good-heartedly and your foes benevolently. This holy prayer will be the preserver of your virginity if you remain virgins. And if some of you get married, it will lead you away from every bad man and will send you a good, believing friend as a helper on life's path.