The Invocation of the Holy Name of Jesus

The holy name of Jesus is the most beautiful and powerful name. It is the blessed name of our great God and Savior.

The holy name of Jesus was given to Christ our Lord at the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the holy Virgin Mary. And you shall call His name Jesus. Luke 1:31. In his announcement to Saint Joseph, the holy Archangel stated the reason Jesus was given His name: You shall call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21. Jesus means the Lord is Savior. Our Lord and God Jesus Christ is the savior of the world (John 4:42), who liberates us from the chains of sin, the deceit of Satan, and the lasting power of death.

For centuries faithful Christians have called upon the name of our Jesus our blessed Savior, and have experienced His loving and transforming presence. For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12.

The Jesus Prayer is the invocation (calling upon) the holy Name of our Savior, that He would be present to us and in us as our guide, our beloved, and as our very life. The words of the Jesus Prayer are simple yet profoundly beautiful:

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

The invocation is made in an unhurried fashion, and with little regard to how many times it is made. The focus of the Jesus prayer is our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, present within us by grace. The invocation of the holy name of Jesus is not a substitute for the holy Mysteries (Sacraments). The invocation of the holy Name renews and nourishes our life in Christ which began in holy Baptism. The invocation of the holy Name of Jesus prolongs the mystical presence of Christ received in Holy Communion and is an extension of the praise and glory we give to God in the Divine Liturgy and the Offices of the Church.

Recitation of the Jesus Prayer is not a mantra, as a mantra is only a tool for centering oneself. The Holy Name of Jesus is not merely a tool. The blessed Name of Jesus, invoked with faith, reverence, and love, unites us to the Person of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. The holy name is a terror to demons and the strength of Christians. Call upon the Name of the Lord, and experience His loving presence, comfort, and light! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever! (Psalm 112[113]:2)