Philokalia Ministries The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Chapter XIX: On Sleep, Prayer, and Psalmody with the Brotherhood
When we think of appetites or bodily desires, we rarely consider something such as sleep. Yet this evening St. John shows us that sleep is something that can disrupt that which is most important for the spiritual life; our prayer. Sleep is certainly an essential need that we have as human beings. However, there are many reasons that we can be drawn into it excessively. One of these is human nature of course. However, sleep can come upon us from an excess of food, from the temptation of demons, and also from extreme or prolonged fasting. Thus, sleeping is important for us to consider closely. Excessive sleeping can become a long-standing habit that is difficult to cure.
It may be difficult for us to think of demons having an impact upon us in this fashion. Yet, when the bell rings for prayer or when the alarm goes off in the morning we can hear a voice within our minds say “Wait, give yourself a little more rest.” In modern days the snooze alarm allows us to extend this indefinitely and we begin our days, perhaps lacking prayer altogether. We can also experience the sensation of severe and unusual pains in the stomach or fits of yawning or even waves of laughter over some amusing incident that comes to mind or takes place within the church.
The same sluggishness in getting out of bed can follow us into the practice of prayer itself. We can hurry through our prayers; saying them inattentively and allowing the mind to wander. We can enter into church without the proper demeanor or making signs of devotion. When these patterns of behavior take over then the demons will certainly make sport of us. To combat this St. John encourages common prayer where we unite ourselves with others in this most essential practice of calling out to God. In this, we can call to mind Jesus’ own words, “Where two or three are gathered, there I am in their midst.“
Often in our day with the breakdown of Christian culture and community, those living in the world, sadly, find themselves left to pray on their own. However, we are not left to ourselves. Through the Hours or the Divine Office we were able to pray with one mind and heart with the Church throughout the world. A deep mystical Communion exist when we engage in the prayer of the Church.
All this is meant to be a simple reminder to us about the subtle things that can distract us at the time of prayer. Therefore, St. John tells us that the practice of prayer itself purifies our hearts and increases our zeal and love for God. The more that we engage in the discipline of prayer, the greater our capacity to rout the demons!
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Text of chat during the group:
00:11:06 FrDavid Abernethy: page 160 starting Step 19 00:38:58 sharonfisher: Yes, agree, but we’re not taught properly. (Re:genuflecting) Our western church has cradle Orthodox attendees from time to time. The grace of this one woman’s entrance and adoration was truly beautiful. I asked how she ‘learned’, but sh said she’d just grown up with the reverence displayed. 00:42:15 sharonfisher: We need a manual to get us started! lol 00:43:15 Anthony: The older generation was taught a kind of theology that emphasizes human community. So I think they were misled, thinking they are doing right by having socialization in church. 00:48:09 Lawrence Martone: Re: solitary prayer”for the very few’” Some Third Order members are required to pray the office daily and spend at least 30 minutes in mental prayer daily - along with other requirements (but not under the pain of sin if missed). Only at monthly meetings can we pray lauds or vespers in community. Basically, we have no choice but to pray in solitude for the most part. Isn’t that true of most lay people also? 00:51:51 Louise: Basically, demons are trying to make us turn our attention away from the Beloved. Yet, our present culture is ferociously made up of distractions, engineered with distractions. 00:52:26 TFredman: Replying to "Re: solitary prayer”..." We used to pray Vespers following the 5:15 p.m. Mass Mon-Sat. This was a great blessing to us lay folk. I miss it. 00:52:58 Barbara: Would that we would become attentive to one another! 00:54:07 Lori Hatala: I find it frustrating when the windows are being closed before the priest even leaves the alter. 00:54:10 sharonfisher: Replying to "Re: solitary prayer”..." Does attending live streamed services count? (Hoping yes) 00:54:57 Lawrence Martone: Replying to "Re: solitary prayer”..." To TFredman, 00:55:08 Anthony: We can thank (intentional?) city planning and the heresy of Americanism for harming ethnic Catholic identity. 00:55:18 Lawrence Martone: Replying to "Re: solitary prayer”..." Yes, I would feel the same way. 00:55:29 Ambrose Little, OP: Replying to "Re: solitary prayer”..." Certainly it is better to pray alone than not at all. As one such 3rd order member, I have found the Office to be a tremendous anchor to my spiritual life—even though in most cases I am alone. 00:55:47 Lori Hatala: I tend to go to silent prayer when someone leading or loudly praying is rushing through it. 00:58:09 Ambrose Little, OP: Replying to "Re: solitary prayer”..." There’s a benefit to individual prayer in that there is time to pause and meditate on things that strike you. Can’t really do that in community. 00:58:52 Bonnie Lewis: Reacted to "Certainly it is bett..." with ❤️ 00:59:05 Bonnie Lewis: Reacted to "There’s a benefit to..." with ❤️ 00:59:12 sue and mark: Reacted to "Certainly it is bett..." with ❤️ 01:02:15 Susan M: I personally am very grateful for ZOOM 01:02:35 Kevin Burke: Reacted to "I personally am very…" with 👌 01:03:21 Rebecca Thérèse: I'm very grateful for Zoom and livestreamed prayer. 01:07:39 Lawrence Martone: Replying to "We can thank (intent..." E. Michael Jones - “The Slaughter of Cities.” 01:08:09 sharonfisher: Reacted to "There’s a benefit to..." with ❤️ 01:10:14 Susan M: Henri Nouwen was my teacher for 3 courses 1971-74. Very blessed time. 01:10:55 Paul Grazal: Reacted to "I find it frustratin…" with 😇 01:11:35 TFredman: Reacted to "I personally am very..." with 👌 01:11:39 carol: Reacted to "Henri Nouwen was my ..." with ❤️ 01:11:45 TFredman: Reacted to "Henri Nouwen was my ..." with ❤️ 01:13:52 Ambrose Little, OP: Reacted to "Henri Nouwen was my ..." with ❤️ 01:14:22 Paul Grazal: Reacted to "I personally am very…" with ❤️ 01:15:04 Cindy Moran: Great session, thank you Father 01:15:12 Rebecca Thérèse: thank you🙂 01:15:21 Rory: Thanks, father 01:15:21 Deiren Masterson: God bless Father 01:15:30 Courtney Wiley: Thank you Father.