“If you are not successful in your prayer, do not expect success in anything. It is the root of all.”
What do I think about this bold statement from Theophan the Recluse, a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church (1815-1894)?
I think he is spot on, even though the idea gives me both unrest and comfort. Unrest because prayer is an enigma, replete with questions. How do I pray? What really happens? Is there a God out there listening, and if so what/who is God? Am I praying enough? Am I doing it right? On and on.
And yet, it gives me comfort because it is a simple directive; I don’t have to concern myself with all those questions. And so, I pray with faith that I am successful: I pray as often as I can and in many different ways. I have faith that I am successful because I show up and do the best I can.
What do I think about this bold statement from Theophan the Recluse, a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church (1815-1894)?
I think he is spot on, even though the idea gives me both unrest and comfort. Unrest because prayer is an enigma, replete with questions. How do I pray? What really happens? Is there a God out there listening, and if so what/who is God? Am I praying enough? Am I doing it right? On and on.
And yet, it gives me comfort because it is a simple directive; I don’t have to concern myself with all those questions. And so, I pray with faith that I am successful: I pray as often as I can and in many different ways. I have faith that I am successful because I show up and do the best I can.
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