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. What are the reasons for which we may have a sense of God’s absence? First, emphasize that God is never truly absent—we only have a feeling of [...]
You can also download a free, full-color version of this study guide from the Worship & You website. We know that prayer is important—we’re even told to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)—and yet we Christians tend to have a dark secret: we don’t actually pray. For example, a recent study found that, while 90 [...]
You can also download a free, full-color version of this study guide from the Worship & You website. We know that prayer is important—we’re even told to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)—and yet we Christians tend to have a dark secret: we don’t actually pray. For example, a recent study found that, while 90 [...]
Can you think of something of which you want more? Perhaps you want more money, a nice car, better grades, or more vacation time—most of us would like more of something. But have you ever thought you would like to pray more? Lorenzo Scupoli tells us we should value prayer more than any of these [...]
You can also download a free, full-color version of this study guide from the Worship & You website. Can you think of something of which you want more? Perhaps you want more money, a nice car, better grades, or more vacation time—most of us would like more of something. But have you ever thought you [...]
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? St. Simeon of Thessalonica says we should first think of Christ: All Christians, clergy, laity and monks, when rising from sleep must first think of and remember Christ. They must offer this remembrance to Christ as a sacrifice and first-fruits of [...]
We know that our faith is supposed to be built up through prayer, but it’s hard to know how this can happen. St. John of Kronstadt gives us one key—honesty: If you wish that God should speedily give you hearty faith in prayer, strive with all your heart to speak and to do everything in [...]
Psychologists have determined that developing an “attitude of gratitude” is a key to true happiness. St. John the Solitary gives us a method for truly thanking God each day for all the blessings we receive: When evening comes, collect your thoughts and ponder over the entire course of the day: observe God’s providential care for [...]
Most of us have some type of ritual before going to bed—brushing your teeth, reading the Bible, etc. One thing that must be on our list of nighttime activities is praying to God, as Elder Amphilochios of Patmos says: Do not neglect evening prayer. Pray with eagerness like those who are going to a feast. [...]
Here’s what it’s often like when I pray: “Our Father…” did I respond to that email? “Who art in…” I’m hungry, what should I have for lunch? People like me need to remember what St. Theophan the Recluse says: If the practice of prayer is to proceed successfully, it is always essential at the outset [...]
