The only spiritual practices I heard of growing up in a variety of protestant churches were prayer and, rarely, fasting. Prayer itself seems to most widely be known in it's vocal form where you ask or say things to God out loud or with your inner voice.

Recently, I was reading about other forms of prayer and came across the really interesting practice of hesychasm. A bit hard to wrap my head around at parts, but the basics are placing your focus internally on the body and repeating something similar to a mantra (in this case the jesus prayer). It appears to be a multi-step process so I'm sure I'm missing something. Anyone have any experiences with this practice or other kinds of practices besides traditional vocal prayer?

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Anyone have any experiences with this practice or other kinds of practices besides traditional vocal prayer

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A spiritual practice can be anything that helps you fulfill the pleadings of Paul in Hebrews 12 (and like scriptures):

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"let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

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They don't do anything of their own. They are only tools for you to employ.

americathegreat1492 said:

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The only spiritual practices I heard of growing up in a variety of protestant churches were prayer and, rarely, fasting. Prayer itself seems to most widely be known in it's vocal form where you ask or say things to God out loud or with your inner voice.

Recently, I was reading about other forms of prayer and came across the really interesting practice of hesychasm. A bit hard to wrap my head around at parts, but the basics are placing your focus internally on the body and repeating something similar to a mantra (in this case the jesus prayer). It appears to be a multi-step process so I'm sure I'm missing something. Anyone have any experiences with this practice or other kinds of practices besides traditional vocal prayer?

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I am a conservative, evangelical-charismatic Methodist. I use the Jesus Prayer to center when my mind scatters and is going in many different directions. I also use the Psalms. These help focus the mind once again and direct me toward Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of my salvation. These are of great use during times of crisis and trauma.

americathegreat1492 said:

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The only spiritual practices I heard of growing up in a variety of protestant churches were prayer and, rarely, fasting. Prayer itself seems to most widely be known in it's vocal form where you ask or say things to God out loud or with your inner voice.

Recently, I was reading about other forms of prayer and came across the really interesting practice of hesychasm. A bit hard to wrap my head around at parts, but the basics are placing your focus internally on the body and repeating something similar to a mantra (in this case the jesus prayer). It appears to be a multi-step process so I'm sure I'm missing something. Anyone have any experiences with this practice or other kinds of practices besides traditional vocal prayer?

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Hesychasm is something that is done within the context of the life of the Church. The word has been used to describe a couple of different things over the centuries, but the idea of a sort of rote mantra prayer is not really doing it justice.

That being said there is nothing wrong with clearing the senses of created things, focusing on God, and praying. The Jesus Prayer is an ancient way to pray simply: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Traditionally people use a prayer rope for this purpose, and it's typically done saying one Jesus Prayer for every two knots passed through the fingers.

Always in Orthodoxy there is a strong caution against "advanced" meditation and prayer because there is a danger of spiritual delusion etc. You should have a spiritual father who can help you with you prayer rule and life.

Thanks for the insight. I meant mantra more as an analogy, though they themselves can be varied in intent. I see much of the east in the mysticism, symbolism and practices of the orthodox church. I like it. Time to get my butt to one. Know anything about the bcs area one(s)?

I was there last Sunday. It's a mission church, small parish. But in any church the mysteries are there, so the fullness of the faith is there.

1 Thessalonians 5, specifically verse 17, mentions to pray without ceasing.

Well how exactly does one pray without ceasing? Here are a few hints:

I like Philippians 4: 4 - 9

Galatians 5 speaks volumes as well. Specifically verses 13 - 26.