WE NEED OTHERS' PRAYERS

It is good to enjoy the prayers of holy people; but this is useful in so far as we, also, are prayerful and seriously concerned with our salvation. 

But you may ask: "What need have I of the prayer of others if I am attending to my own religious duty?" Paul did not say to his brethren, "I have no need of your prayers," but "Brethren, pray for us." And Peter when in prison had unceasing prayer made for him by the Church until God sent His angel to deliver him. 

Thou needest prayer precisely because thou thinkest thou hast no need for it. 

St. John Chrysostom

(09-01-02)