Orthodox prayers

[Br Paul]

To All,
From time to time, I am reminded of why I converted to Orthodoxy. Today during prayers, the words came to light. I was no longer looking at a black and white page with all this wigglie lines. My eyes were not reading the words, my heart was. It is so hard to read with the heart, those words written by another person in some other time become my words. It does'nt matter who wrote it, what Saint or Father. The Holy Spirit makes them mine.

Years ago when I first placed foot in a Orthodox Church, I heard a lot of words that I did'nt understand and singing, it sounded so beautiful. Then the priest started saying the prayers in English, I then saw it in another different light. Having a RC background, I was not use to such prayers. They brought tears to my eyes.

We need to appreciate the beauty of Orthodoxy so much more. The Prayers-Liturgy are full of love, sorry, our short comings. Just to read them with our heart can teach us so much.
The simple teaching of these prayers and Orthodoxy continues the teaching of Jesus Christ. Is it necessary to intellectualise them, or is this a human trait? I would hate to lose the beauty of these prayers through intellect.
Not praying with the heart, just with the mind.
Let's keep it simple and beautiful for God.
Br Paul

[Richard Leigh]

Hi Brother Paul,

I appreciate your words. I have recently learned that fasting is not fasting unless energized by prayer. Father Averky made a similar comment on another thread, as I recall. I wonder if you could tell me, are there special prayers for fasting periods in Orthodoxy?

Thanks for you time,

Richard (whose chosen patron's name means "prayer")

[Br Paul]

Richard,
All prayers are good, I have not yet found any specificaly for fasting. I am not saying that there is none, I just have not found or looked for them. Prayers in preparation for Communion are very good. To me they are uplifting. Morning and Night prayers, psalms. Fasting is good. Fasting and Prayer is a mighty weapon. Keep it up.
Br Paul