Prayer is a huge part of my life, and though I hadn't heard of the "Jesus Prayer" I was intrigued by the pilgrimage of Norris Chumley (Emmy Award-winning executive producer, director, and author) and Reverend John A. McGuckin (priest and professor) to some of the early church's holiest sites.
I was thrilled to receive a free uncorrected proof copy of Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer from Harper One for an honest review. This book is a companion to the PBS documentary. If you would like the get the DVD Full Length Director's Edition it is also available.
The Power of One Simple Prayer
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Chumley writes, "No one knows the name of the Christian who composed the Jesus Prayer", but it may have come from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14. Since few people have heard of the Jesus Prayer in our part of the world the film Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer and this companion book were created.
I've always had a reverence for monks and nuns who sacrifice much for a cloistered life. To spend every day in a quiet peace that I felt could never be attained by a simple person like myself.
On this journey Chumley shares his experiences while visiting and talking with some of these men and women of God, and how they believe we too can achieve some measure of the peace and tranquility they have attained.
"Start with the first step; start only with the mouth first - Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me - and say it ceaselessly when you go to work or to the office or when you drive. Say this until it becomes a habit; then stop stating it and start doing it silently, only in your thoughts." Archbishop Justinian
"There is no difference between monastic life and other people. We have known the circumstances of connection with the world - we left them - and we are free from this world, but nevertheless the love is the same... the way to our heavenly father in the love of Jesus Christ, his beloved Son, who became sacrificed for our salvation, is the same.. We realize that in the next hour I can die, but my heart, my soul, my body, my brains - they belong to Christ. That's why I'm not afraid of the circumstances of this world - of temptations, of sorrows, of difficulties... We are free with God." Father Jacob
Chumley states that his life has been changed by this experience. I have to admit I too have been changed by this book. My prayers have more meaning, life has more meaning, and I feel a closeness to God never felt before.
It is well worth the small price to add this companion book to your treasured library. They even have a study guide, and I will be sharing this book with my son by adding it to his homeschool curriculum.
Below are links to the other hosts of this book tour, and their reviews.
Wednesday, April 13th: Oh Mandie
Thursday, April 14th: Naptime diaries
Monday, April 18th: Elizabeth Esther
Tuesday, April 19th: Mom’s Mustard Seeds
Wednesday, April 20th: O me of little faith
Thursday, April 21st: The Pilot’s Wife
Friday, April 22nd: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Monday, April 25th: Walking in His Grace
Tuesday, April 26th: In the Heart of My Home
Wednesday, April 27th: In a Mirror Dimly
Thursday, April 28th: My Heart’s Desire
Friday, April 29th: A Minute Captured
I love the idea of adding this to your son's curriculum - that's one of the great things about homeschooling in my opinion, the ability to tailor the lessons to include fascinating books/subjects/sources/etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read and review this book. We appreciate you being a part of the tour.