The "Jesus Prayer" is a mantra-like prayer, a cornerstone of the Orthodox Churches, that calls upon the name of Jesus Christ for mercy and forgiveness. It is perhaps the most popular prayer among Eastern Christians, both Orthodox and Catholic. This prayer is recited in Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism as well.

But it’s most commonly used form is: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Since the prayer is said repeatedly, many Orthodox Christians will use prayer ropes to aid them in praying the Jesus Prayer. Some may make the sign of the cross every time they recite the prayer. Still others perform prostrations or metanias.

In order to enter more deeply into the life of prayer and to come to grips with St. Paul's challenge to pray unceasingly, the Orthodox Tradition offers the Jesus Prayer, which is sometimes called the prayer of the heart. The Jesus Prayer is offered as a means of concentration, as a focal point for our inner life.