Jesus Prayer, in German: Prayer of the Heart

What if there was a path that led you both into the depths of yourself and into the divine mystery – would you take it?

What if there was a way to change the brooding into a yes to yourself and a knowledge of the holding hand of the Divine, could you endure it?

What if this path were free from external influences, but expanded the space within me to the Divine, wouldn't that be freedom?

These questions are suggestive—and almost manipulative. That's not who we are. And yet, we want to pique your curiosity.

The path we present is a possible, viable, everyday one. It's not the only option; it never is. This is crucial: Even if this path is absolutely right for us, it's important that you follow your own path.

Here is our invitation:

Heartfelt Prayer – Origin

"Be joyful always, pray without ceasing!" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) says the Bible. But how should you do that? So, you repeat a prayer over and over again, a mantra—it wasn't called that in the past—but that's what it is in essence.

Words of heartfelt prayer

These words should transcend oneself and have positive connotations and "resonate" with oneself. For many, the old saying, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," doesn't ring true. Please choose your own, e.g., light, love, amen.

The words find you

Heartfelt Prayer – History

The prayer of the heart had already been developed by the Desert Fathers and Mothers in the first centuries AD and was a way of praying constantly. It encompassed all areas of life,

Heartfelt prayer completely worldly

From a purely worldly perspective, the constant repetition of a prayer calms the body, breath, and circulation, and strengthens the immune system. Thus, the prayer of the heart is effective for both the body and the soul.

Heartfelt Prayer II

The repeated recitation of a word, a very short prayer, e.g. the name of Jesus, a request for accompaniment or mercy, serves on the one hand to connect with the divine atmosphere, to come to oneself and to God.

The prayer of the heart is repeated, for example, in meditation, perhaps even quietly at first. Then it becomes internalized and becomes a kind of catchy tune, present in the background of everyday activities. Later, it may penetrate so deeply into the subconscious that one even recites it in one's sleep.

Heart prayer and sound

A word is not just a word – a word is also a sound.
When you're searching for your heart's word, try to find out which vowels resonate with your soul. Then perhaps choose a word with those vowels.

Heart prayer and breath

The heart prayer can resonate in the breath:

Heart Prayer III – Heart Prayer and Inner Space

Your heart's prayer is your own.
It is your connection to yourself and the divine mystery. No one has anything to do with it either. If you wish, you can be accompanied in your search for the word of your heart and on your path. But finding it and doing it – that is something you can only do yourself. Thus, the prayer of the heart is freedom – and grounding at the same time.

Books on Heart Prayer

Further information - by Stefan Hachtmann

VIA CORDIS

In the depths of my self