St. Theophan the Recluse, a nineteenth century Russian saint, wrote that
prayer is standing with the mind in the heart before God. Ultimately,
prayer is not about words, whether formal or extemporaneous. Rather, it
is the state of being in God's presence. The Patristic tradition
of the Church teaches us that prayer can eventually become infused
prayer, wherein we learn to "pray without ceasing," as St. Paul enjoins
us.
The end of spoken prayer is silence. Silence is
an unwelcome phenomenon in modern life and we have effectively
eradicated it from society. Television, radio, media, 24-hour news
channels, Muzak, cell-phones, pagers, wireless internet; all of
these modern contrivances ensure that we need never face silence.
However, Christians are encouraged to include as part of their daily
prayer life a Rule of Silence. This helps us to maintain a disciplined
mind and gives us time to hear God speak to us in the ordinary
day-to-day activities of our lives.
In summary, a daily rule of prayer is essential
for the health of our soul. A rule of prayer helps to keep us oriented
toward the Kingdom of God and creates a Christian context to our lives.
The tradition of the Church in terms of a minimum standard is three
times a day: morning, noon, and evening. A rule of prayer can include
but is not limited to; the Trisagion prayers, prayers appropriate to the
day, the Nicene Creed, Ps. 51 as a daily confession, and a general
petition to which should be added our own specific needs. Consider
beginning with the Morning and Evening prayers offered in this section,
and eventually adding either First Hour or Third Hour (the Noon Office).
A rule of prayer should also include a time of silence. And a fruitful
relationship with one's spiritual father - guidance is essential in
the development of a rule of prayer.
Prayer is the bedrock of our spiritual life. Without it, the soul
languishes and withers. With it, the soul can breathe and flourish.
"Prayer is the living water, by means of which
the soul quenches its thirst."..........Fr.
Apostolos Hill
