We continued our discussion of prayer and the things that often become an obstacle to it. Much of the discussion this evening focused upon the things that make us lazy or weary in prayer or lead us to drowsiness.

One of the important things that the fathers teach us is that sleep is an appetite that is to be ordered like any other appetite. Our life has been given to us for repentance; that is, to turn toward God and to seek to love him with all of our heart. It is this reality that should shape the way that we look at prayer, the way that we discipline ourselves - and yes - even how we sleep.

 

Rising at night is one of the most wonderful times for prayer for a number of reasons. The mind and the body are humbled. The thoughts are often not moving so rapidly nor the world around us and its noises. Praying at night provides us with an opportunity to enter into deep silence, so as to listen to God and the word he wishes to utter in the depths of our hearts.

 

Therefore, there are times when we will have to force ourselves in order to strengthen our will to not only bring ourselves to prayer but to remain there. Whenever we experience drowsiness, we must resist it firmly. Often we will give up a discipline when we face difficulty. It is our love for the Lord, however, that must send us out at night seeking He alone who can satisfy the longings of our heart.

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Text of chat during the group:

 

00:02:04 FrDavid Abernethy: we can hear you

 

00:02:21 FrDavid Abernethy: page 89

 

00:21:49 Anthony: I did that. I'd go back. It drove me nuts, playing on scrupulous feelings

 

00:49:25 Ann Thelen: Quick question regarding food/fasting...how do we deal with the temptation to vanity when we are attempting to fast? We know fasting has wonderful health benefits. One of those benefits is that we look better and more healthy which can feed into vanity.

 

01:04:22 Anthony: Menaion?

 

01:17:14 Lisa Smith: Thank you & God bless

 

01:17:56 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father!

 

01:17:57 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂

 

01:18:04 Nicole Dillon: Thank you ☺️

 

01:18:08 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father. Praying for you.

 

01:18:19 Ann Thelen: Thank you.

 

01:18:26 Cindy Moran: Thanks