Catch God's Gaze Throughout The Day

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There’s an ancient, and often forgotten, prayer that's been a source of comfort and strength for centuries. Known as the Jesus Prayer, its roots trace back to the fifth century, with early versions found etched in caves across the Egyptian desert. The prayer itself is a simple yet profound petition: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It's a way to align our minds and hearts with the very name of Jesus, a name that St. Paul says is "above every name." This powerful repetition can become a deeply personal practice, one that aims to match the rhythm of our breathing, turning prayer from something we merely do into a part of who we are.

This simple act of repetition can also be a quiet form of self-denial—a hidden martyrdom that helps us stay present and focused on God throughout our day. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through our phones at a red light, we can use that moment to breathe in the awareness of God’s presence. The Jesus Prayer is a way to live out the call to "pray without ceasing" by uniting the mundane moments of our day with the divine. It's a sweet and secret intimacy between you and the Trinity, allowing the Holy Spirit to breathe in and out of you and transforming your heart to be ever-vigilant for God's presence.

 

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