Posts Tagged ‘prayer’
2023 Daily Lenten Journey – Day 6
By now, if you’re like the typical Orthodox Christian, you attended at least one ‘extra’ service this week for Great Lent. Churches throughout the world this week had people attending services they may not have ever attended. At least, they haven’t attended the ‘extra’ service since last year. You may be surprised to know the…
Read MoreChoosing Comfort over God
We live in the most advanced, wealthiest, and most would say the most comfortable nation in the world. It is often said the poorest of the poor in America and better off than in most other countries. Our nation has been blessed, there is no doubt. Living in such a comfortable society has its advantages…
Read MoreArmor is for Battle
A dangerous trend exists among many Christians, too many. Many mistakenly think that if we believe in Jesus Christ as God, then we will forever be comforted. The so-called ‘prosperity gospel’ goes so far as to suggest that God wants all believers to be rich. Rich or poor, the idea that Christians don’t have to…
Read MoreCount the Cost
Our society is infatuated with debt. We borrow money to purchase ‘what we want, when we want it’ no matter how much it costs. With Christmas still on our minds, many are dreading the coming credit card bill to discover just how much they spent this year on the holidays. Many will never know. They…
Read MoreShow me who you Pray for, and I will Show you who you Love.
I have the distinct blessing as an Orthodox Priest to pray at the Altar of God. I stand in front of His Sacred Table, offering names of loved ones and friends. These names are given to me by faithful members of my parish and others. This practice of offering names to God in prayer is…
Read MoreEpisode 382 – Finding Time to Focus on God
It can be difficult in today’s world to find time to focus on God. It has become too easy for us to skip our prayers or to be late for Church. During our Nativity Fast, the Church has offered to us the blessing to pay attention to God. When we allow the life of the…
Read MoreChristian Progress
Politicians enjoy throwing around the term ‘progressive’ as a banner of respect. I always find myself asking, “What are they progressing towards?” Progress implies a goal. Don’t skip today’s post. It isn’t about politics. It is about progress, but not the sort that politicians praise. Christian progress is moving toward God. Christian progress won’t get…
Read MoreJust Hold on and Climb!
I believe it is part of the ‘fallen’ human condition. Generally speaking, we do not like to take blame for our shortcomings, let alone our mistakes. Take any young child caught eating something forbidden. With total confidence in the ‘blame,’ a typical child with either blame the dog, claim that what was eaten was not…
Read MoreHoly Prayers
I have written before against what I refer to as “spontaneous” prayer. This is the prayer which we offer without preparation or without thought. Whatever comes to our mind, we offer it to God. These prayers ‘tend’ toward selfishness. It isn’t about of malice, but because our fallen human nature. This is why I always…
Read MoreWill it Ever Stop?
If you have ever felt shame for your behavior, then you understand today’s blog. It seems like no matter how often you try; you just keep falling to the same temptations. Will the temptations ever stop? Will I ever be strong enough to fight? Will God keep forgiving me? Brethren, we do not want you…
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