Topic summary
Contemplative prayer
Extracted from the Wikipedia article Christian mysticism.
Theoria (illumination) – contemplative prayer
An exercise long used among Christians for acquiring contemplation, one that is "available to everyone, whether he be of the clergy or of any secular occupation", is that of focusing the mind by constant repetition of a phrase or word. Saint John Cassian recommended using the phrase "O God, make speed to save me: O Lord, make haste to help me". Another formula for repetition is the name of Jesus, or the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner," which has been called "the mantra of the Orthodox Church", although the term "Jesus Prayer" is not found in the writings of the Fathers of the Church. The author of The Cloud of Unknowing recommended use of a monosyllabic word, such as "God" or "Love".