Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior WaySt Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2003 - 292 pages This volume evolved experientially: the fruit of fifty-five years of solitude by a contemporary Coptic Orthodox desert monk besieged by prayer. Fr Matta's prayer life initially was formed under the direction of the sayings of the Russian Fathers, and later expanded under the direction of other Fathers, both Eastern and Western. He imparts to his readers "a whole course" on prayer. |
Contents
Introduction to the Second Edition | 15 |
A Definition of Prayer and Its Efficacy | 21 |
Degrees of Prayer | 39 |
Beyond Prayer | 71 |
Aspects of the Interior Activity of Prayer | 117 |
Purification of the Heart | 133 |
Faith and Perseverance | 159 |
Struggle and Constraint | 175 |
Bridling the Mind | 189 |
Pray at All Times | 205 |
Fasting | 229 |
Loss of Purpose | 257 |
Fruits of Prayer Life | 275 |
Prayer Access into the Fathers Presence | 289 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Arabic version Ascetical Homilies asceticism Athanasius of Alexandria attain become believe blessed body commandments communion constant prayer contemplation contrition darkness Divine Ascent dwells ecstasy eternal evil eyes faith Father feel flesh Four Books fruit gifts glory God's grace heart heaven heavenly Holy Spirit human humility Isaac the Syrian Jesus Christ John Cassian John of Dalyatha John of Kronstadt knowledge Ladder of Divine light live Lord Jesus man's means meditation mental mercy mind motives mysteries nature never NPNF one's passions perfect person pleasure pray psalms purity receive revealed Saint Isaac says seek senses Seraphim of Sarov sins soul spiritual aridity Spiritual Elder St Antony St Augustine St Cyril St Isaac St John Climacus St Macarius struggle surrender tears Theophilus of Antioch things thou thoughts transcendent tribulation truth union virtues vision weeping Western Mysticism words worship