Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1912 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII THE MONK AT PRAYER As we might naturally expect, Basil very strongly insists upon the necessity of prayer for the true Christian, and more especially for the monastic community. Prayer, however, is not to be merely a spasmodic effort or an occasional expedient. It is to be constant and continuous, and for the devout Christian prayerfulness must become a natural and spontaneous habit of mind. There is a passage of great beauty on this subject in one of Basil's Homilies.1 'Ought we to pray without ceasing? Is it possible to obey such a command? These are questions which I see you are ready to ask. I will endeavour, to the best of my ability, to prove my case. Prayer is a petition for good addressed by the pious to God. But we do not rigidly confine our petition to words. Nor yet do we imagine that God requires to be reminded by speech. He knows our needs even though we do not ask Him. 'What do I say then? I say that we must not think that our prayer consists only in syllables. The strength of prayer lies rather in the purpose of our soul, and in deeds of virtue affecting every part and moment of our 1 Hom, in Martyrem Julittam, 3-4. life. "Whether ye eat," it is said," or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 As thou takest thy ] seat at table, pray. As thou liftest the loaf, offer thanks to the Giver. When thou sustainest thy bodily weakness with wine, remember Him who supplies thee with this gift, to make thy heart glad and comfort thy infirmity. Has thy need for food passed away? Let not the thought of thy merciful Benefactor pass away too. As thou art putting on thy tunic, thank Him who gave it thee. As thou wrappest thy cloak about thee, feel yet greater love to God, who alike in summer and winter has...