I was recently asked, “Why do you call yourself, ‘Father’ Deacon?” Growing up in the Baptist church, only a male parent (or stepparent) was to be called ‘father.” I have no children by birth or adoption. So, who am I to be called such? No one seems to question my role as a teacher eitherContinue reading “The Need for Spiritual Fatherhood”
Tag Archives: prayer
Keep Christmas? Keep Christ Through the Hours!
I love the Royal Hours services of the Orthodox Church. Among the Akathist Prayers, Liturgies, and other worship services, this one is like icing on a cake to my spiritual life. I practice the Hours of Prayer every Monday through Saturday (Sunday I have pre-Eucharistic prayers, the Divine Liturgy, and I try to pray NinthContinue reading “Keep Christmas? Keep Christ Through the Hours!”
First Hour Rule of Prayer: Heal Thyself
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 destructiveContinue reading “First Hour Rule of Prayer: Heal Thyself”
First Hour Rule of Prayer: My Call
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 ofContinue reading “First Hour Rule of Prayer: My Call”
First Hour Rule of Prayer: What is This?
I’m one of these strange humans called a “morning person.” My mind and body are best functioning before noon and even greater than evening and nighttime. A prayer rule is a practice of being in God’s presence throughout the day. The Apostle Paul taught early Christians to pray without ceasing. St. Ignatius Briancahninov suggested thatContinue reading “First Hour Rule of Prayer: What is This?”
Three Reasons for a Prayer Rule
How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Being Sober Minded
Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind. Be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:13 I have to credit St. Nikolai Velimirovich’s homily for July 5th in the Prologue of Ohrid as my inspiration for thisContinue reading “How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Being Sober Minded”
How to Develop a Prayer Rule: The Necessity of Humility
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death,Continue reading “How to Develop a Prayer Rule: The Necessity of Humility”
How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Repentance
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 4:17 “If you cannot become like us, sit in your cell and weep for your sins.” Sayings of the Desert Fathers* A prayer rule without honest self-examination and humble repentance is will not produce fruitful virtues orContinue reading “How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Repentance”
How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Spiritual Guidance
“Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 Seeking oneness with God was not left to chance by early Christians. Catechist and baptized believers sought spiritual guidance from clergy, monastics, and wise elders in their communities. Bishops, priest, and deacons were ordained through the succession from the Apostles and Christ. MonksContinue reading “How to Develop a Prayer Rule: Spiritual Guidance”
West Point Orthodox Christian Chapel 