I’ve been in the storm so long. I’ve been in the storm so long children. I’ve been in the storm so long. Lord, give me a little time to pray.
My call to prayer does not come from any Eastern or Oriental prayer book. They are the words of a Negro spiritual. Bishop Dimitri of the Orthodox Church in America is credited for saying that these songs are the only salvific music ever created in this country. Sometimes in the rush to be contemporary and relevant, we forget the intense faith that came from the suffering of enslaved and marginalized people. Ancient Christians suffered great persecutions for 300 years before St. Constantine’s Edict of Milan. Blacks were beaten for worshiping in any way not sanctioned by a ‘master’ or ‘overseer.’ ‘Lord have mercy’ was the common prayer of our ancestors in the lion pit and whipping post.
Prayer – spending time in God’s presence was not taken lightly by the suffering. Even among the first waves of monastics, prayer was taken as a welcome respite from the world and restoration for the soul. In times of social calm, time in God’s presence was especially a time of self-examination and repentance. Most likely, petitions were made for earthly blessings. Certainly, there was a focus on the kingdom to come as ultimate hope was not in this world, even when it was friendly to Christians.
Making time to be in God’s presence is and isn’t easy. There is always, at least, a moment or two that we have to ourselves to say a short prayer. On the other hand, there are forces outside of us and inward thoughts which seek to distract us from Him. In every culture and religion, someone calls a community to prayer, be it a cathedral bell, the monk with the board and stick, or a chanter. When the sound is heard, every other activity is to cease. Only seeking to be one with the Holy Trinity matters.
Call yourself to pray. Some monastics and clergy would recommend doing this in silence and I would not argue against that. A brief verse of scripture may also help squelch the noises that demand your attention. Let there be something that reminds you of the value of who’s presence you seek to be in and the necessity of it.
Join us for First Hour Prayers live at 5:40 am, or watch recorded later on the YouTube page : https://www.youtube.com/@fr.deaconjohngresham7650
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 