Draw Near to God
Prayer is a central part of Orthodox Christian life, and is a fundamental way to connect with God and to express our gratitude and love for Him. Prayers to God can take various forms, from private prayers in the morning and evening to public liturgies and services in the Church. It is important for Orthodox Christians to learn how to pray, to grow in prayer, and to become disciples of Jesus Christ by deepening their spiritual lives through prayer. Here we will consider what prayer is, how to pray in the Orthodox Christian tradition, and tips for praying as an Orthodox Christian.
What is Prayer?
When talking about prayer in the Orthodox Christian tradition, we need to understand what we mean by prayer. In the biblical sense, prayer is an offering of love and gratitude to God, but it is also an act of surrendering and humbling ourselves before God. According to St. Paul in the New Testament, prayer is a “living, earnest, and earnest supplication” that “prevails” over all our sorrows, sins, and needs. St. John Chrysostom says that prayer is also a “garment of light” which “covers our shame and transfigures us from head to foot.”
Prayer is both an outward expression of our inward relationship with God and an act of surrender which allows us to take on a new perspective and to see our lives and situations from a higher perspective. It is a way for us to give thanks for our blessings and to ask for God’s guidance, mercy and strength. In the words of St. Gregory the Theologian, “Prayer is a shield, a wall and a rampart against all evils, a divinely built fortress that can never be captured by the forces of darkness.”
How to Pray in Orthodox Christianity
There are several ways to pray in Orthodox Christianity, including formal liturgical services, private prayer, and intercessory prayer. Formal liturgical services usually include chanting and singing, and are usually led by the priest. They are usually centered around the reading of scripture and often include prayers of thanksgiving and petitions to God. Private prayer can take the form of either verbal or mental prayer, and is used to express personal thanks, requests, and petitions to God. Intercessory prayer is the practice of praying for others, and can also be done in a public or private setting.
When praying, Orthodox Christians typically use the Jesus Prayer, which is a prayer of repentance and acknowledgement of Jesus’ Lordship. It is a prayer which seeks to unite our hearts with His and to draw near to God. The Jesus prayer is repeated again and again, and it is said to be “a way of coming to the realization of our need for God’s love and mercy”. The Jesus Prayer can also be accompanied by the Jesus Breath, a prayerful meditation technique which involves consciously controlling the breath and focusing on Jesus’ presence.
Tips for Praying as an Orthodox Christian
When praying as an Orthodox Christian, it is important to approach prayer not as a ritual ritual or a form of religious performance, but as an authentic act of worship. Here are some tips for praying as an Orthodox Christian:
-Take the time to be still and to focus on God’s presence.
-Pray from your heart and be open to receiving God’s unsurpassed love and grace.
-Regularly surrender to God’s will.
-Engage in intercessory prayer for others.
-Be genuine and honest in your prayer life.
-Make it a habit to pause and thank God for the gifts that he is giving you each day.
-Be open to being changed by prayer.
An Invitation to Enter into a Relationship with God
Prayer in Orthodox Christianity is ultimately an invitation to begin or deepen a relationship with God. It is a process of spiritual transformation and growth. As we listen to God’s voice, we gain a better understanding of our true identity and purpose, and learn how to live in harmony with His will for our lives. As we humbly bow before God in worship and surrender, He can work in our lives, transforming us and making us more like Him. With faith and obedience, we can experience the promises of God in our lives as we continually draw near to Him in prayer.
Appreciate the Role of the Church
One of the unique features of Orthodox Christianity is the role of the Church in prayer and spiritual practice. According to the teachings of the Orthodox Church, the Church is the living Body of Christ on earth, the Ark of salvation which mediates between God and humanity. The Church, through its liturgical services, serves as a vessel by which we can offer our personal prayers and petitions to God. The Church serves as a spiritual refuge, a place of refuge and comfort, where we can fellowship with other believers and deepen our connection with God.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
In Orthodox Christianity, the Holy Spirit is seen as the power of God which brings about spiritual transformation in our lives. The Church teaches that the Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual life and enables us to live according to God’s will. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, our minds can be renewed and our lives transformed, and we can experience a greater sense of peace and joy in our lives. When we pray, we give the Holy Spirit space to work in our lives and to guide us in our decision-making and in our spiritual journey.
The Importance of Love
Love is an essential part of Orthodox Christian prayer. We are called to love God with all of our hearts, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means that our prayers should not only be directed towards God, but also towards our brothers and sisters. As we pray for God’s love and grace, we can also pray for others, for their healing and for peace in their lives. As we approach God in prayer, we should bear in mind the words of St. Augustine, “Love God, and do as you will.”
Cultivating a Disciplined Prayer Life
In order to grow and maturing in prayer, it is important to cultivate a disciplined prayer life. This will require setting aside time and actively engaging in prayer. It is helpful to have a plan and a schedule for prayer and stick to it. We should also commit to prayer with others and to gathering together to pray either in formal services or in private prayer groups. Finally, it is important to make room for God’s movement and Spirit in our prayer lives and to be attentive to His leading and direction.
The Value in Struggling in Prayer
At times, it may seem that prayer is a struggle and that we are not making any progress. However, St. Gregory of Nyssa says that “struggle leads to growth in prayer.” The spiritual struggle of prayer can lead us to a deeper understanding of God and of His majesty. It can also shape us as we become humble and obedient to God’s will. As we grapple with the challenges in life, we can turn to God in prayer and trust that He will sustain and support us.
Seeking Guidance from Ancient Prayers and Practices
In our modern world, it can be easy to forget about the rich history of prayer in the Orthodox Christian tradition. To enrich our prayer life, we can seek guidance and inspiration from the ancient prayers and practices of the Church. We can read the stories of the saints and their profound experiences of prayer, and strive to imitate their commitment and humility in our own prayer lives. By returning to the wellsprings of our faith, we can draw closer to God and nurture our spiritual lives.
The Fruit of Prayer
As we enter into our prayer life with faith, humility and obedience, we can expect to experience the “fruit of prayer.” These fruits include an increased sense of peace in our hearts and a greater sense of God’s presence in our lives. We can experience the assurance that God is with us and the joy that comes from being united with Him. We can experience the richness of knowing that our prayers matter and that God wants to hear us and to walk with us in our journey.
