Saturday 14th November

 Saturday 14th November

3 John, Psalm 112, Lk 18:1-14

 

The pharisee recites a long prayer in an act that tries to draw attention without any self-awareness. The publican both aware of God’s presence and his inner turmoil sighs “God have mercy on me a sinner”.  A few verses later Bartimeus calls out “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” A cornerstone of Orthodox spirituality is “The Jesus prayer” which draws on both of these incidents. The prayer goes “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God; have mercy on me, a sinner.” Or even more briefly, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” In moments of distress where there are no other words, these are enough.

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