Way of a Pilgrim

A man identified only as a Pilgrim heard a sermon about praying continuously. The text of the sermon was Paul’s admonition to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5.18). How is it possible to pray all the time? Pilgrim set off on a journey to find out, with only his backpack, several loaves of bread, and a Bible. In traveling through Ukraine and Russia, no one could tell him how to pray without ceasing. He met a staretz, a holy man, who taught him the ancient Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.” He instructed Pilgrim to repeat the prayer in rhythm with his breathing to incorporate into his travels.
Long story short, it worked! He became a joyful, loving pilgrim. This written story was found in a remote Greek monastery in the late 1800’s. No one knows who wrote what has become known as The Way of a Pilgrim. Was it autobiographical or fictional? The author obviously sought to reinforce the merits of praying the Jesus Prayer which has obscure origins of its own. It was inscribed in the fifth century ruins of a monastic community in the Egyptian desert. Christians have utilized this simple, memorable prayer to stay focused on Jesus through the day. In the span of a single sentence, the prayer exalts Jesus as Messiah, Lord and Son of God and directs those who pray, “have mercy on me, a sinner.” The word “sinner” is not original to the prayer but is a natural consequence of asking for God’s mercy. This prayer can have a calming effect on us when we’re agitated or troubled. Praying the Jesus Prayer centers praying people on the dual realities that we are sinners and Christ is our Savior.  It is meant to be offered as a breath prayer through the day.  We join today with believers across the centuries in praying: