The Arrow Prayer

About this book

"Pray without ceasing" is a command in the Bible, not only for monks but for all Christians from every walk of life. The Arrow Prayer: A Prayer for All Christians by Fr Anthony St Shenouda shows how the early Church learned to obey it, and how you can too.The early Christians had special ways of praying continually that came to be called the Arrow Prayer, because it is a short, intense prayer that flies like an arrow to the heart of God. The Arrow Prayer is the parent tradition to which the Jesus Prayer belongs. It is not limited to prayers that call on the name of Jesus; it also includes verses from the Bible, especially the Psalms.This book traces the use of the Arrow Prayer: In the lives of the saints and the Desert Fathers.Through Church history.In the liturgical prayers of the Church.It then recommends practical approaches that help Christians today pray without ceasing, at home, at work, while travelling and in the ordinary moments of each day.Whether you have never heard of the Jesus Prayer, or have tried it and want to understand its roots, this book offers a simple, biblical and time-tested way to keep your heart turned towards God all day long.Written from within the Coptic Orthodox monastic tradition, it is accessible to every Christian who longs for a deeper prayer life.