www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Prayer I need your advice and help

Dear Seraphim,

Thanks be to you and to Bob (also a great Christian who should really be in Church Ministry)!

Whenever things like 9/11 or Katrina happen, it reminds me of just how close Canadians are to Americans.

The pain we feel in our hearts is the same.

My one regret is that our dollar is less than yours so our contributions aren't as great!!

Cheers,

Alex

Dear Alex, as our Lord says in the Gospel about the old woman who put two copper coins in the offering, all she had to live on, she gave the most while the others gave from their abundance! I know this isn't the "exact" words, please forgive me! Your contributions Alex are great! I don't base a persons worth on their home, car, clothes, bank accounts, busineeses etc. I listen to them and what comes from their heart! Take care my friend!

Alex:

One's contributions are not measured by the rate of exchange of currencies. One's contributions are measured by the heart that makes them. Taking Seraphim's mention of the story of the widow's two small copper coins, the fact that one would make a contribution to help the folks hit by Hurricane Katrina is itself enough.

In a world where all we hear is that everyone hates those from the U.S., it is humbling to learn that many small, poor countries are making contributions--even those who are themselves still rebuilding from last year's tsunami (sp?).
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As for me, you attribute too much to me. I just try to pick up those who are lying along the pilgrim road and who seem to need something I can give them: encouragement, a kind word, a prayer, or whatever else seems appropriate.

As for the dry periods that I describe, they are not necessariy periods of depression. Sometimes the Lord allows us to have these periods so as to strip us of the pride that could tempt us to think ourselves to be "something," rather than the simple vessels we really are. So when I start to think I've got a really tough prayer rule and reading regimen on track, He takes it away. I believe He does this so that we realize that He is saving us and saving us in community. So if I pray for someone when they are "flat," then someone else will pick me up when I am "flat" and cannot move myself to do anything. That way no one can claim anything except that the Lord Himself is generous and does not let His faithful ones alone. He gives us brothers and sisters to pick us up and bind up our wounds. We're going to make it to the Kingdom, but we're going to go together. I think it helps to develop what I have heard called "other-directedness" which is the opposite of "self-centeredness" or "selfishness." It's "love your neighbor as yourself" in practical terms.

BTW, Alex, did you take that walk to clear out your head yet?

In Christ,

BOB

Dear Alex!

May I ask a stupid question?

I presume the soldiers carry psalm 90 (89) "O Lord, you have been our refuge" ...and not psalm 91 (90) "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High"?

thanks.....

Nick

Nick:

I think Alex is referring to what you number as Psalm 91: "He who dwells . . ."

I know this numbering--calling it Psalm 90--as the (Latin) Vulgate numbering. It's the one that is usually referred to in the Service Books.

A Biblical scholar would have to explain the differences and why the newest translations follow the different numbering. If I'm not mistaken, it is Psalm 90--"He who dwells . . ."--that is woven on monastic belts and on a garment worn by some Orthodox monks after one of their professions.

In Christ,

BOB