Wednesday, February 25, 2015

St. Porphyrios on Prayer and the Will of God

St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia (source)
  
We should seek that the will of God be done. This is the most beneficial, the safest way for us and for everyone to pray.

Christ will give us all riches. When there is even a little egotism, however, nothing occurs. When God does not give us something which we are persistently asking for, He has His reason. God has His "secrets". If you do not show obedience (to your priest or spiritual father), and you don't have humility, the prayer (i.e. "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me") does not come, and there is a fear of delusion.

The prayer should not become chore. Pressuring can bring opposition within us, and cause something bad. Many have sickened with the prayer, because they said it with pressure. And also, of course, when you make it a chore. But this isn't healthy.

There is no need to gather specifically to say the prayer. You don't need any effort when you have divine eros. Wherever you are, on a stool, on a chair, in the car, everywhere, on the road, in school, in the office, at work, you can say the prayer, the "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me", gently, without pressure, without asphixiation.

Meaning in prayer comes not from length of time, but from the state. You may only pray for five minutes, but they should be offered to God with love and longing. One can pray the whole night, and this five-minute prayer can surpass it. This is a mystery, of course, but this is how it is.

(amateur translation from source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

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