One ancient Christian discipline of contemplation that offers a concrete way of abiding in Christ is the Eastern Orthodox practice of the Jesus Prayer. This is the repetition of the phrase, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son Of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It is often reduced to "Lord Jesus, have mercy" or some other variation. At the very least, just the name "Jesus" is invoked. . . .
The fathers of this tradition then ask us to soften our hearts, to become vulnerable to God. We do this by recalling before God something that we feel deeply about: a beautiful and moving moment, something about which we feel badly, a special need of our own or another, or our gratitude for God's love and goodness. Tears may come; in fact, the Eastern fathers recommend it! They also recommend a "warming" of the heart which may have something to do with the increased amount of conscious energy we focus on this region of our bodies. With the heart less defended and made softer, warmer, and humbler, we are more prepared to be real with God.
— Brian C. Taylor in Becoming Christ