DAY 49 – THE WAY OF A PILGRIM

April 27, 2013

49 of 65

The Way of a Pilgrim

 Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

I had heard the Jesus Prayer from time to time.  I appreciated its simplicity without knowing its tradition.  Finally, when I was over 40 years old, I read the anonymous 19th Century Russian spiritual classic, The Way of a PilgrimThat book gave me some context, then I set it aside.

Two or three years later, I felt I should read it again.  It is a simple book that can be read in one sitting.  The basics of the Jesus Prayer may be found in the first pages of the book.  There is more to it, though, that I understood as I read it again.  Another two or three years passed and it was time to re-read and learn and understand even more.

When the spirit moved me between readings, I did a bit of research, learning more and understanding more.

Our church, St. Joan of Arc, used to have a deacon – Deacon Buddy – who was in charge of the adult “spiritual growth” ministry.  Each month he conducted a book club to discuss a spiritual work with parishoners.  They always discussed books I had never heard of and did not want to read, so I never attended.  I don’t like to attend groups like that, anyway.  However, one Sunday I glanced at the church bulletin and saw the book club was going to discuss The Way of a Pilgrim. Continue reading