Saint Joseph the Hesychast, unceasing prayer of the heart. He was given the gift of unceasing prayer of the heart. He practiced the Jesus prayer and lived an austere monastic life. The stories of the saints inspire me and I take comfort from their ability to overcome struggles. You can read more

The Jesus Prayer

To calm my mind I recite the Jesus prayer. “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God have mercy on me, a sinner”. Sometimes I say this in my head when I paint. I created “Sea of Flowers” as a result. A local priest loved this work of art so commissioned an alter cover with this design printed onto it. When he chose it, he did not know the influence of the prayer in this abstract work of art. The flowers merge into sea and the story of the parting of the red sea came to mind as I worked, hence the title. I find this biblical passage calming “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Noetic Prayer

St Jospeh the Hesychast lived from 1897 – 1959 and practiced the art of noetic prayer. I have also been greatly inspired by Saint Nektarios, Saint Silouan, Saint Sophrony and am very grateful. The Jesus prayer is profound, mind altering and a mystery and goes far beyond my understanding so I recommend if you are interested you seek advise from a Spiritual Father in a Christian orthodox church.