PDA

View Full Version : Anyone interested in a possible multi-Apostolic Social group dialog on Prayer


Davidnic
10th June 2008, 11:27 AM
I made this thread to gauge interest in an idea I had.

So I was thinking that perhaps some RC, EO and OO brothers and sisters can get together in either the apostolic forum here at CF or make one of the new social groups and begin a conversation about prayer. We would stay away from heavy debate, but soft respectful debate on issues of difference with the goal of understanding each other would be ok. Because of that I thought I would see who was interested and then make a social group so none of the safe haven debate rules would be a problem.

It is an area where we have some cultural differences but where we share a deep love and much more. Perhaps such a discussion, one that focused on the Early Fathers, our divine offices and some writings from some of our great saints on prayer such as St. Francis De Sales or Dominic for RC, St. Theophan the Recluse or Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain for the EO (or whomever you would want, but I thought of those two because of their translation work on Spiritual Warfare and some of Theophan’s brilliant work on prayer) and someone like Matthew the Poor for the Oriental Orthodox. It does not need to be highly structured…all the is just me throwing an idea around.

Such a conversation would help us all grow in the understanding of each other’s hearts on this fundamental aspect of Christian life. It could form a firm foundation for future discussions between us and help us grow in understanding each other so that when we talk about other issues we have a better understanding of each other on this vital issue.

I wanted to ask if anyone was particularly interested in participating in this in the form of a social group where we all agreed to stay away from hard-line debate and focus on charity and respect in a dialog about the topic of prayer in an effort to build an understanding of each other’s hearts.

So...is anyone interested? If so...I will gather the names and start a group sometime this week.

copticorthodoxy
10th June 2008, 12:53 PM
Nice idea . ...i am interested

ProScribe
10th June 2008, 01:30 PM
Everyday, I say a prayer rule 1X

RestoreTheRiver
23rd June 2008, 07:11 AM
I am strongly interested. Perhaps you should also post this on the Apostolic Christians forum. This is my first visit to the Oriental Orthodox forum, and it may be that others who would be interested have likewise not seen your excellent idea.

Michael

Anglian
24th June 2008, 08:35 AM
I should be interested.

Peace,

Anglian

jamescarvin
6th July 2008, 08:10 AM
Every day, repeatedly, I pray Psalm 51 among other Psalms. I started doing this from the prayer book of St. Philip in the Antiochian Orthodox church. Psalms take a long time to memorize. I think the tradition of praying Psalms is something that unites all these churches and also Israel. There are no more ancient or more common prayers. By repeating it there is something very hesychastic. And I find my mind meditating on many things as I pray, not the least of which is the healing needed among the schizmated churches. When I pray "build the walls of Jerusalem" I am thinking specifically of the church in need of restoration. When I express the evil I have done before the Lord, I think of all of the tragedy in our churches' histories. When I say in prayer that "in sin did my mother conceive me," I often think of my mother the church having within her the mystery of iniquity even in the time of Paul. It becomes for me a very catholic prayer in the communion of saints as I pray as body of Christ, praying on behalf of RC/EO/OO and also Protestants, even those who do not accept the chalice. My appeal is to the Lord for mercy to whoever he might call out for the restoration of all things. When I think of the churches and individuals finally reconciling in tears for all of their sins, I know in my heart that the Lord is pleased with this sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart. Therefore, I see these huge bulls on his altar - the wonderful Love of the Lord expressed finally in a good communion.

It has helped me to make this more of a prayer of the heart by singing while praying. This, of course, is not always possible out in the public. But there are many places it can be done. Afterwards, the melody and the words sing through my mind and heart so that I praise our Lord in ways I can't explain.