WORDS OF PRAYER (KNOWLEDGE
OF PRAYER)
Christ not only taught his
disciples how to pray but even taught them the words to use to gain a
hearing from God.
He who does not pray cuts
himself off from God. And so, the first lesson for a Christian is the
need to pray continually and not lose heart. Prayer brings us close to God;
and when we are close to God we are far from the enemy.
Prayer safeguards chastity,
controls anger, and restrains arrogance. It is the seal of virginity, the
assurance of marital fidelity, the shield of travelers, the protection of
sleepers, the encouragement of those who keep vigil, the cause of the
farmer's good harvest and of the sailor's safety.
For us who should have
prayed in the past and should pray for our future, how shall we be if we
cannot even pray for our present? We fail to set aside a decent portion of
the day to be spent with God.
If we realize the need for
prayer, we should pray continuously, endlessly and throughout the whole of
our lives.
St. Gregory of Nyssa
(07-03-03)
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