On the Prayer of Jesus
by Ignatius Brianchaninov. Foreword by Allan Armstrong. Introduction by Alexander d'Agapeyeff. Translated by Father Lazarus.

Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me, a sinner. This one simple prayer is the core to a practice of Christian spirituality dating back to apostolic times. Repeated like a mantra, first out loud to acquaint the body with the rhythm, then silently in the mind to become accustomed to what it means, the prayer soon migrates to the heart. At this point it is possible for us to be forgiven and cleansed, thus able to abide in the presence of God, His light penetrating every fiber of our being. In a world striving to overthrow, redefine and dismiss Christianity, Brianchaninov championed traditional Christian practice by making spirituality accessible to lay-people in their daily lives. The "Prayer of Jesus" and the repetitive meditation known as Hesychasm, forms a devotion anyone can practice for comfort, meditation, and even Gnosis. Along with instruction, Brianchaninov discusses pitfalls that may be encountered and how to avoid them, as well as material aids, such as the rosary and posture, for correct practice.

Allan Armstrong, esoteric scholar and Prior of the Order of Dionysius and Paul, introduces this lost work of Western, Christian meditiation, including a biography of Brianchaninov and the contemporary significance of this unique book.

2006.
ISBN: 0-89254-120-2
128 Pages, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". Paperback.
Available here from Red Wheel/Weiser. $12.95