Using the collaborative inquiry method to explore the Jesus Prayer.

Abstract

This article describes a spiritual intervention that used the collaborative inquiry method for exploring the Jesus Prayer. A nonclinical sample of middle-aged Catholics was encouraged to learn the prayer in a self-directed way while reflecting on the experience. This method provided abundant phenomenological accounts of the participants' inner experiences while practicing the Jesus Prayer. All participants reported that the prayer provided them with a sense of calm and tranquility. Some participants had difficulty finding time to pray on a daily basis, whereas other participants could easily incorporate the prayer into their lives and reported several spiritual benefits, including a deeper connection with their hearts and with a Higher Source, and also acquiring a "vital trust." The collaborative inquiry process revealed that the Jesus Prayer could be a tool for coping with conflict. It also showed that the prayer enhanced participants' mindfulness skills and fostered a greater connection with their unconscious.

A randomized controlled trial of a 2-week internet-based contemplative prayer program for Christians with daily stress.

“…Certainly, research related to this specific form of prayer is a newer, emerging field. Despite this fact, recent studies have revealed that contemplative prayer can be used as a means to lessen psychological distress, including the experience of stress (Ferguson, Willemsen, & Casteneto, 2010; Knabb et al, 2016; Rubinart, Moynihan, & Deus, 2016).…”

“…The authors found that contemplative prayer was helpful (revealing a large effect size pre- to posttreatment) in decreasing symptoms of worry, depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, Rubinart et al (2016) found contemplative prayer (the Jesus Prayer specifically) to possibly be an effective coping tool when conflict arises. In this qualitative study, participants were instructed to pray the Jesus Prayer as often as they felt it was necessary, and were advised to read The Way of the Pilgrim .…”

“…Certainly, research related to this specific form of prayer is a newer, emerging field. Despite this fact, recent studies have revealed that contemplative prayer can be used as a means to lessen psychological distress, including the experience of stress (Ferguson, Willemsen, & Casteneto, 2010;Knabb et al, 2016;Rubinart, Moynihan, & Deus, 2016). Knabb, Frederick, and Cumming (2016) investigated the use of surrender and contemplative prayer for decreasing recurrent worry and uncertainty in an 8-week clinical intervention.…”

“Unknowing” in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking.

“…As a Christian-sensitive approach, contemplative prayer has been found to be an effective alternative approach for managing a host of psychological symptoms (Ferguson et al, 2010; Knabb & Vazquez, 2018; Knabb et al, 2017; Rubinart et al, 2016). What is more, Christian theology attests to the notion that connection with God is the means to inner peace in the midst of struggle.…”

“…To date, the research is limited, but has shown promising results. In particular, researchers have found that contemplative prayer can aid in decreasing daily stress (Knabb & Vazquez, 2018), worry, anxiety, and depression (Knabb et al, 2017), and overall psychological distress (Ferguson et al, 2010; Rubinart, Moynihan, & Deus, 2016). Knabb et al’s research, for example, supports the utility of contemplative practices in reducing recurrent worry.…”