Prayer

Into the Deep Podcast - Fr Theodore Ghaly | Ep 12 | Prayer

The Disciples and Prayer

When the disciples asked the Lord, they didn't ask "how should we conduct ourselves" or "what should we do" but they asked Him "teach us to pray." And He answered

Prayer is the driving force behind everything the apostles do in the Book of Acts. Everything they do is surrounded by prayer.

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" (Acts 1:14)

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42) 

The disciples also learned from the Lord Jesus Christ

Why don't I feel the presence of God? Why don't I feel powerful or able to overcome temptation? Why don't I feel like God is standing with me? Prayer is that bond with God that strengthens us.

Is Prayer Supposed to be Difficult? Constantly Fighting? Or are we not understanding the point of prayer?

Prayer can be difficult at time... "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" - in my spirit I know that I should pray, but I have other things pulling me in other directions (my flesh - tired, hungry, etc.; my responsibilities and priorities).

The devil fights prayer more than anything else... if a person has a strong prayer life, they cannot be touched by the devil.

When we pray the Agpeya together in the liturgy, or if we're on a retreat and we pray the hours, or in the monastery or convent, no one complains about prayer. But when I'm on my own... I'm on my own. No one sees what I'm doing. They say "character" is what you do when no one is watching. There's no accountability.

When I remove my time from a life of prayer, and from connection with God, there is deterioration over time.

Compare it with going to the gym... you see yourself every day and don't notice the small changes. But if someone sees you after it has been a while, they notice the change.

When can you pray?

Disciples taught that there is a structure and a time for prayer - "Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour." (Acts 3:1)

Spontaneous prayer is good too

I can have discipline in prayer but more important is understanding that prayer is about being constantly connected with God.

St Paul says "Pray without ceasing"

What is prayer?

Explanation of the Hours of the Agpeya

What advice would you give someone who feels like his relationship with God is drifting?

The Holy Spirit and Prayer

Distractions

Prayer Canon

Anything we shouldn't pray about?

Expectations about Prayer

Advice to Close