One of the main things that led me to a disciplined prayer rule was the recognition of my spiritual illnesses and that deliberately being in God’s presence was the only cure. I’ve never been to prison or rehab for my sins. Then again, any sinful habit is a jail cell. “White lies” don’t seem destructive at first glance. But they harden our hearts to the truth not allowing us to step out into reality with any confidence and joy. Acceptable bad habits build up a stench that fouls up any good that we can take in. Once Satan leads us into even a “minimum security” prison of evil, we put ourselves at risk of other demons who can drag us to far worse conditions. Muder, rape, theft; all outward crimes begin with inward corruptions. Heal the heart, mind, and soul and the mouth and body will likely be whole as well. Clean the inside of the dish and the outside will also be clean.
A regular, disciplined rule of prayer is like a rehabilitation for the soul. We “check-in” at an expected time, sometimes when we’d rather not. The Psalms, other scriptures, and written prayers are tried and true medications. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and an experienced spiritual father or mother, the meds go to the underlying causes of our illness to wear them down over time and promote healthy growth. Most no one is healed immediately. Those who have experienced long remissions from evil habits must be watchful as triggers may arise in times of joyous comforts and dismal sufferings.
If honest, everyone should go to some sort of spiritual rehab of a prayer rule. Don’t be complacent and think that you aren’t that bad. It is better to stand in the need of prayer during nuisance flooding than in a hurricane. Even the nuisance floods bring in salt water that kills valuable crops.
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 