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Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty · Catechism · 962

Faith Q&A › Catechism › 6. The Jesus Prayer or the Arrow Prayer

Did St. Ephrem the Syrian use arrow prayers?

The answer

The Nisibene Hymns (Carmina Nisibena) of St. Ephrem the Syrian295 are characterized by having harmonious, rhythmic stanzas that are suitable for church gatherings. Usually, each stanza is followed by a refrain that is sung with a special melody and can be prayed by anyone during their communal as well as personal worship, to help him offer his prayers with a spirit of hope and joy, and feel the divine presence. These are similar to arrow prayers or the Jesus Prayer, in that they represent a cry to God.

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Notes

295 See NPNF II/13:165ff.

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Volumes 1 and 2, Books 1–7. First English Edition, 2023. Published by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, Sporting, Alexandria, and Queen St. Mary & Prince Tadros Coptic Orthodox Church, South Brunswick, NJ. Copyright © 2023. Translation and Editing: Youth of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Arabian Gulf, and Egypt.