As we, Orthodox Christians, come to the end of the first week of Great Lent, I thought I'd share something I recently read on battling extraneous thoughts during prayer. It doesn't matter what faith you follow, as Christians we are called to "pray without ceasing". We are called to follow the example of Christ and… Continue reading The Battle With Thoughts
This morning it is quite crisp (3 degrees!!!!) and beautifully clear. We've had snow on & off for the last few days so it is also very bright! I had a beautiful view from my dining room window as I worked on my laptop. This photo was taken just after sunrise before it got super… Continue reading Prayer With the Living God
I have a big favor for you all! Please pray with me for my friend, Stephanie. Stephanie and I have known each other since we were seniors in high school. We were closest of friends at that time and through college. She was my maid of honor and I hers. Stephanie is one of the most… Continue reading Please Pray With Me
This lent I have tried to focus on 1. The Prayer of St. Ephrem and 2. Finding balance, peace, and looking inside at what I need to change. As I have prayed the Prayer of St. Ephrem over and over and over again this lent, I have been quite convicted with regards to the last… Continue reading Grant me to see my own transgressions.
As we walk our way through lent I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite prayers said specifically during Great Lent. It really is the perfect reflection of what our journey through lent is about. To change me. To work on me and my own salvation. I find this prayer to sum up… Continue reading Prayer of St. Ephraim
My morning routine has become a very important part of my day. I begin with a focus on that "one thing needful" and it brings to my day a foundation of hope. This morning I woke to a very light dusting of snow and the snow always reminds me of Psalm 50/51. I love this… Continue reading Morning Prayers
I was going through an old pile of notes and letters and came across one from my husband's godson who is now a monk at the Monastery of the Holy Archangel Michael in New Mexico. It is postmarked June of 2018. I don't remember reading it. But possibly it was meant for me to read… Continue reading The Fruit of Joy
Dr. Albert Rossi in his book, Becoming a Healing Presence, has a chapter called The Sacrament of the Present Moment. As I was reading the other day in the section Time Management I came across some very good reminders. Some thoughts I really needed to hear. Let me share them with you. These are just… Continue reading This Present Moment
Many years ago I received a prayer card from a sweet friend of mine. This morning prayer was written by Elder Sophrony (+1993) of Essex, spiritual child of St Silouan the Athonite. I found this description of the prayer on AbbaMoses.com. "He gave this prayer to his own spiritual children, to be said ‘on rising… Continue reading A Morning Prayer
I’m home from church today. I’ve been ill for awhile and can’t be far from home right now. I decided that I would sit back, relax and contemplate what I love about my church, The Orthodox Church of America. And what I really miss. I will sing what I can right here on my sofa.… Continue reading Remembering Divine Liturgy
Kindler of Joy! 