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Praxis & Spirituality -
Fasting & Prayer
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A Selection of Orthodox
Arrow Prayers
By Andrew Youssef
02/01/09 Last Updated: 18/01/09
What is an 'Arrow Prayer'?
The phrase ‘arrow prayer’ was coined by St Augustine of Hippo (Letter 130) to describe a manner of prayer which originated in the Coptic monastic tradition of the early fourth century.
Very briefly, arrow prayers are terse, one-sentence prayers that lend themselves to a rhythmic repetition which facilitates meditation and inner stillness. In effecting a shift to the contemplative gear of the mind and soul, arrow prayers help enhance one’s communion with God and hence one’s accessibility to all the blessings that flow from His Divine Grace—purification, virtue, knowledge, protection from the wiles of our spiritual adversaries, healing of the soul etc.
Arrow prayers serve as an expedient means of carrying out St Paul's command to pray unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17), given that they can easily be committed to memory and repeated inwardly in almost any circumstance and at any time.
A Selection of Arrow Prayers:
[To be updated periodically]
Renewer of the ages;
Renew also me;
And adorn me anew.
- St Nerses the Grace-filled
Short Commentary: This arrow prayer is particularly relevant to the Season of the Holy Resurrection, and was composed by St Nerses with the Feast of Feasts in mind. More generally, however, it seems an apt one to cling to during times of regression into the once abandoned ways of the “old man.”
Lord, as you will;
And as you know;
Have mercy upon me.
- St Macarius the Great
Short Commentary: This arrow prayer was recommended by St Macarius in response to one seeking to learn how to pray. St Macarius was trying to teach the inquirer that lengthy discourse is unnecessary, for the Lord in His omniscience is well aware of all our needs and wants. It is enough for us, particularly in dire times, to succinctly acknowledge His all-wise providence, and to cry out in meekness and sincerity for His Mercy.
O You who are not prone to anger;
Do not be angry;
Have mercy on Your creation.
- The honourable Archangel Michael
Short Commentary: These lines represent the first half of the Archangel Michael’s intercession before God on behalf of mankind. The prayer is related to us in the Coptic Synaxarion entry Commemorating the Archangel Michael in the holy month of Kiahk. Pursuing our goal to be Angel-like, it is fit for us also to burn with love for, and to hence pray for the sake of, all of creation.
O Salvation of the travellers;
Save me;
And lead me to your Kingdom.
- Hegomen Youssef Assad
Short Commentary: This is clearly an apt prayer to recite in times of travel, not only for the sake of a peaceful journey and safe return, but more importantly for the manner in which it serves, by the Grace of God, to remind the soul that it is but a sojourner on this earth, called towards an eternal destination: the Kingdom of Heaven.
Glory be to the Holy Trinity, forever. Amen. |
