The answer is yes. As Orthodox Christians, we believe the Holy Scripture to be inspired by God. "Since it is divinely inspired, the Bible possesses a fundamental unity, total coherence, for it is the same Spirit that speaks on every page. We do not refer to it as "the books," in the plural, ta biblia, but we call it "the Bible," "the Book," in the singular ("E Vivlos" e "Agia Grafi"). It is one book, one Holy Scripture, with the same message throughout--one composite and yet single story, from Genesis to Revelation."

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the wonderful deeds of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. In the past, you were not a people, but now, you are God's people. In the past, you had not obtained mercy, but now, you have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Compressing lengthy, beautiful and comprehensive homilies of Saint John Chrysostomos on prayer, we offer the following salient points to help the praying person. Prayer must be a systematic and regular practice in our life, with a pious and reverent stance, and with absolute attention. To pray as we should, with the reverence appropriate to conversation with God, we should be aware of the great benefit of prayer, independently of knowing whether there have been specific responses. The person whose prayer is truly a conversation with God is transformed into an earthly angel.

Born in Pisidian Antioch of pagan parents, Marina only heard of the Lord Jesus at the age of twelve, of His Incarnation of the Most Pure Virgin, His many miracles, His death by crucifixion and His glorious Resurrection. Her little heart was inflamed with love for the Lord, and she vowed never to marry and, further, desired in her soul to suffer for Christ and be baptized with the blood of martyrdom. Her father hated her for her faith, and would not regard her as his daughter.

What, after all, is the nature of prayer? Is it worth the toil, concern, and effort that goes into it?

Let us examine the words of the Holy Fathers for insight.

Saint John Chrysostomos says:

"Prayer is a harbor in the storms of life, an anchor for those who are storm tossed, the treasure of the poor, the security of the rich, the healing of the sick, the preservation of health. Prayer banishes evil things, and preserves the good."

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.