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The Meaning of Prayer
`In vain,' then, is every spiritual building, every spiritual guard without the presence of the Lord; consequently, `in vain' every work of ours without prayer. Prayer makes the presence of the Lord alive and changes every work which could have been fruitless into light and glory to the Heavenly Father.
Theses from the Philokalia, Watchfulness and Prayer, by Archimandrite Ioannikios Kotsonis.
You can always tell where a "do-gooder" has been by the "hunted" expression on the face who have benefited from his or her ministrations. This is one of many examples of dead deeds ... actions virtuous in themselves, (sometimes, anyway), but which help the helper rather than the helped. Prayer changes everything. It gives us a right disposition toward our neighbour, (God's perspective), and an attitude of faith toward the only Good-One and Source of Life. Prayer is the means to holiness which will shine through even the murkiest of human lanterns as soon as that person begins to pray. Prayer, therefore, has only one meaning ... the Love of God. It intoxicates, but it is also hard work. The greatest and most radiant saints are always those who have spent themselves in the battle and won through with Christ's victory. There is no other way to live the Christian life ... PRAYER. Fr Gregory |
