My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
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PRAYER AS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
By Monk Moses
The life of prayer is one part of a much broader topic of spiritual life, in general, the life in Christ, spiritual ascension, the way to sanctification and deification (theosis). Combined with personal inner purification and a regular sacramental life, a life of prayer will help significantly in the regeneration of the faithful during this difficult period in which we live.
The content of this discussion is not the property of the author. It consists of material borrowed from the abundant resources bequeathed to us as an inheritance by the holy Fathers. Also included are precious morsels gathered eagerly from the spiritual dinner table of contemporary gerondes (elders) of Mt. Athos.
There are many stations or steps in the journey of prayerful spiritual ascent. We shall briefly address some of the more significant ones related to our topic.
Study is one of the very steps. In the austere Monastic Rule of Saint Pachomios one of the canons requires that novice monks be taught reading and writing by older monks, to assist them in their study of Sacred Scripture. Father Theodoros of Thebes, a disciple of Saint Pachomios, made the following observation about his monastic life:
"Neither in our heart nor in our mouth had we anything other than the word of God alone, and we did not feel that we were living on earth but were celebrating in heaven."
The mind learns that with which it is preoccupied. If one is preoccupied during the entire day with the lives of others, he derives no benefit for himself. Through unbridled curiosity and idle discussion, particularly where the sins of others are addressed with satisfaction and interest, we stimulate and arouse our own passions. It has been observed that people who are scandalmongers, who gossip, and who defend morality by accusing others, usually have very serious problems themselves. Preoccupation with vain things and malicious conversations are to be avoided; they can totally incapacitate the spirit of prayer.
Study will help in our effort to pray by arousing our forgotten powers, by strengthening and invigorating us. In this vein Father Isalas instructs us:
"When you arise in the morning before you begin your work, study the words of God. When you have the words of God as your constant companion, you will not be preoccupied with worldly matters, you will not be troubled, you will not sin."
Saint Ephraim the Syrian, who incidentally was described by Saint Gregory of Nyssa as having Sacred Scripture as his only nourishment, adds this:
"The words of God refresh the heat of the soul. Suckle the words of God like an infant so that you may grow."
For one who desires to live the life of prayer daily nourishment from Sacred Scripture is indispensable. Study of the Holy Bible expedites the intervention of God in our life. And it is good for such a study to precede prayer. In addition to Sacred Scripture, particular Psalms (Old Testament), the life of the Saints of the day and a selected ascetic text from the Holy Fathers can provide relief from the confusion and distress of the day, and help us prepare to surrender to God. And let it be emphasized that God is not to be dealt within a few minutes out of the entire twenty-four hour period. God is for the entire day! His abiding presence should accompany us continuously so that all our activities are preparation for the sacred hours when we embrace God. And, in turn, these sacred hours will strengthen us for the struggles that follow.
Everything flows calmly under the watchful eye of God, Who blesses and sanctifies us. And if we transgress he may intervene austerely to bring back to our senses. Let us, therefore, always remember Him.
Liturgical books - the Horologion, Psalter, Menaia, Triodion, Pentecostarion, Parakletiki - are not only for the lectern in church but also for the prayer room in our home. These books offer great assistance to our spiritual life. It is a beautiful thing when one comes to love these books and makes them daily companions even if only for an abbreviated Orthros (Matins) or a few hymns from Vespers (Esperinos), the Compline (Apotheipnon), or the Salutations (Chairetismoi) to the Theotokos.
The Holy Church has designated particular prayers for important events in our lives such as birth, sickness, engagement, marriage, and death, as well as for various other occasions, such the opening of a home, the beginning of a business, or the start of a professional career. The Church has also designated prayers for prescribed hours of the day.
Saint John Chrysostomos, commenting on prayer before and after meals, notes that among the reason for these prayers are the following: that we also remember the nourishment of the soul; that we avoid intoxication and over-indulgence; that we develop the discernment of moderation; and that we express our gratitude to God for His gifts.
At prescribed times our Holy Church gathers in common prayer and worship. The prayers of many faithful who have gathered are more readily received and heard by God. He is particularly attentive to such petitions. To help us receive the full benefit of ecclesiastical gatherings let us pay close attention to these words of Saint Symeon the New Theologian:
"Stand in the church as if you are in heaven together with the Angels, and consider yourself unworthy to be praying together with your brothers. And be vigilant not to be looking back and forth to observe the brothers and sisters, how they are standing or chanting, but observe only yourself, your chanting and your sins."
Saint Paul noted that he who is happy should sing. Psalmody - spiritual song - is not only for church services but for any circumstances that permit. We can chant aloud or silently, individually or as a group, before and after prayer, and even during intermissions.
According to Diadochos, bishop of Photiki, in addition to the familiar ecclesiastical psalmody, we also have another psalmody which comes from an overflow of joy, powerful and moving, with a prayerful disposition. This psalmody, when moved by the Holy Spirit, is accompanied by the delight of the heart, spiritual tears and incredible joy.
Returning to the preparatory aspect of prayer, let us note the words of Saint Athanasios in his treatise on virginity: "The believer who is dedicated to God must be found with the Book in his hands when the sun rises." He also provides instructions for the hours of the day and night, and how the faithful Christians must stand before God.
It is well established that books are beneficial, but they do not always lead to prayer. And it is to be noted that a greater teacher than books is prayer itself. Innumerable Ascetics have learned to pray without any books at all. Books and church gatherings cannot always be with us, but we always learn by the inner work of prayer, which can be with us at all times. The soul of each one who truly prays becomes a temple of God and a sacred place of sacrifice. All prayers are good; audible prayers, book prayers, public prayers, silent prayers of the heart when practiced carefully and attentively.
As there is no healthy plant without roots, there can be no life of prayer without the Sacraments (Mysteria), especially Holy Eucharist. For, as Abba (Father) Apollos says, "He who withdraws from communing the Sacred Mysteries, causes God Himself to withdraw from him." It is customary for monks to complete prayers begun in their cell when they have gathered in the church. And common prayers started in the church are completed in their cells. The sacrament of Holy Eucharist, in which they participated during Divine Liturgy is continued on the sacred altar of their hearts with ongoing prayer.
(To be continued)
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"Glory Be To GOD For All things!" - Saint John Chrysostomos
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George