You can also download a free, full-color version of this discussion guide from the Worship & You website.
Tips for discussion leaders are indented beneath each question.
1. How is it helpful to have the prayers of earlier Christians available in prayer books for us to pray?
Focus on the fact that these prayers come from the hearts of our fathers and mothers in the faith; the words they give us contain “the spirit of prayer.” You can also bring up the words of the anonymous Christian writer, who said that these prayers give us direction and teach us how to pray.
2. What is St. Theophan the Recluse’s process for saying morning and evening prayers?
This answer may be slightly tricky for your group, because the process isn’t given in order in the study guide. Nonetheless, all the steps are in the two quotes from the saint in the “Prayer Books” section:
1) Read over and think about the prayers in your free time, in order to know the thoughts and feelings contained in them.
2) Before praying, spend some time steadying your mind and focusing your attention upon God.
3) Pray with full attention and corresponding feeling.
3. What are St. Basil the Great’s four steps in effective personal prayer?
1) Glorifying God.
2) Thanking Him for His mercy.
3) Confessing your sins.
4) Asking Him to provide for your needs.
4. How can you work these steps into your personal prayer?
Have your group look in detail at Lorenzo Scupoli’s example of such a prayer.
5. When can you say the Jesus Prayer during the day?
The simple answer is: anytime! Note St. Gregory Palamas’ teaching that it can be done during many daily activities. Be sure to stress not only that it can be done at regular times, like Albert Rossi’s recommendation that we pray in the morning or evening, but also that the Prayer is particularly effective when we are troubled or tempted.
