Sister Anastasia I appreciate what you share. I look forward to it, yet this is a difficult one for me. Probably mostly because I'm really struggling right now within my parish. There is so much uneasiness there. Personalities clashing and tension that I feel stuck in the middle of. Wherever there is friction with anyone in my heart, I clean it up as soon as possible. I apologize for any wrongdoing on my part, and then feel like all is well, but then another wave comes. It brings up a lot for me as I have complex ptsd from trauma in my family. I really struggle with the daily prescribed Orthodox prayers. The rule of standing if front of icons and I just wish I could get some leniency to just sit at least. I'm physically and emotionally and mentally exhausted, and I am just avoiding them completely through overwhelm. I know these specific prayers are important, but it feels like a harsh rule that I just have to read regardless, and it doesn't feel from the heart. Yes, I know we are to speak to our spiritual father about this, and I have many many times. Honestly, I just keep coming back to this place of giving up and maybe I already have, on trying to live out these rules. It's hard enough to just get out of bed! I know you have no quick fix or anything, but is there something you can say to help me please?
Bobbi, it's a joy to hear from you---as always---though I grieve with you in your suffering. Send me an email but be gentle with yourself; Christ is the God of tender mercies (Psalm 25.6).
Forgive me for responding to your question to Sister Anastasia, but I thought you might find this short 5 minute talk by Abbot Tryphon on the topic of Silence as Prayer to be helpful. May God give you strength!
The sanctified mind is not a triumph of intelligence but a wound slowly healed by grace. It is shaped in the shadows… where silence is sharper than speech, and the heart is taught, not by answers, but by waiting. It does not dazzle. It sees. And what it sees, it often cannot say.
In an age drunk on noise and novelty, such a mind is a kind of exile. It walks apart, not out of pride, but because the world no longer speaks its language. It hears the whisper of the Spirit in places others find empty. It names things truly, even when truth costs. Especially then.
To think with Christ is not to escape the world, but to bear it differently. The sanctified mind does not flee suffering; it learns to discern within it. It weeps where others cheer. It stays awake while the world sleeps. And when it prays, it does not ask to be brilliant, only faithful. For the lamp is lit only in the dark… and the mind that shines with God’s light is the one that first consented to be broken.
Beautifully put! This teaching is missing from church today. I have to search out deeper meaning online and from my own Bible study. But God is in the details of life and a wise man will marvel at those details and discover God is close. Blessings!
Δόξα τω Θεώ, Sister. May we glorify Christ with every breath 🤍🕊️
Beautiful Biblical prose and insights, as always Sister.
Glory be to God,,,!
Glory to Him!
Loved this ! Thank you. I needed to read this today.
Thanks to God +
Sister Anastasia I appreciate what you share. I look forward to it, yet this is a difficult one for me. Probably mostly because I'm really struggling right now within my parish. There is so much uneasiness there. Personalities clashing and tension that I feel stuck in the middle of. Wherever there is friction with anyone in my heart, I clean it up as soon as possible. I apologize for any wrongdoing on my part, and then feel like all is well, but then another wave comes. It brings up a lot for me as I have complex ptsd from trauma in my family. I really struggle with the daily prescribed Orthodox prayers. The rule of standing if front of icons and I just wish I could get some leniency to just sit at least. I'm physically and emotionally and mentally exhausted, and I am just avoiding them completely through overwhelm. I know these specific prayers are important, but it feels like a harsh rule that I just have to read regardless, and it doesn't feel from the heart. Yes, I know we are to speak to our spiritual father about this, and I have many many times. Honestly, I just keep coming back to this place of giving up and maybe I already have, on trying to live out these rules. It's hard enough to just get out of bed! I know you have no quick fix or anything, but is there something you can say to help me please?
Bobbi, it's a joy to hear from you---as always---though I grieve with you in your suffering. Send me an email but be gentle with yourself; Christ is the God of tender mercies (Psalm 25.6).
Thank you for the kind response, Sister. I should have emailed you. I reacted. I'm sorry. 🌹
There’s absolutely nothing to be sorry for. We can just speak in more depth through email. Have a blessed day.
Forgive me for responding to your question to Sister Anastasia, but I thought you might find this short 5 minute talk by Abbot Tryphon on the topic of Silence as Prayer to be helpful. May God give you strength!
https://youtu.be/skp7am1_QH4?si=73NJr0qH3Etv2NpD
Thanks Esmée! I remember you from years ago on Facebook. I will take a look.
The sanctified mind is not a triumph of intelligence but a wound slowly healed by grace. It is shaped in the shadows… where silence is sharper than speech, and the heart is taught, not by answers, but by waiting. It does not dazzle. It sees. And what it sees, it often cannot say.
In an age drunk on noise and novelty, such a mind is a kind of exile. It walks apart, not out of pride, but because the world no longer speaks its language. It hears the whisper of the Spirit in places others find empty. It names things truly, even when truth costs. Especially then.
To think with Christ is not to escape the world, but to bear it differently. The sanctified mind does not flee suffering; it learns to discern within it. It weeps where others cheer. It stays awake while the world sleeps. And when it prays, it does not ask to be brilliant, only faithful. For the lamp is lit only in the dark… and the mind that shines with God’s light is the one that first consented to be broken.
Thank you for teaching us today. May God continue to bless your writing.
Thank you Sister!
Beautifully put! This teaching is missing from church today. I have to search out deeper meaning online and from my own Bible study. But God is in the details of life and a wise man will marvel at those details and discover God is close. Blessings!
Yes He is! Thank you. Praying for your daughter.