Tuesday, April 13, 2021

"Practicing Prayer: A Daily Workbook" is a 28-day Orthodox Christian pilgrimmage of learning, revelation and devotional practice

 

At just 112 pages and a mere quarter-inch thick, "Practicing Prayer: A Daily Workbook," by Alexander Goussetis, might tempt you, at first blush, to underestimate its true spiritual weight.

Packed inside its pages, however, this is indeed a "workbook" for regular, daily prayer and devotion. Rev. Dr. Goussetis, a veteran parish priest and Ancient Faith Radio podcaster who currently serves as director of the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, guides the reader through a 28-day, step-by-step journey to a richer and deeper relationship with God.

From its first step of "Creating a Sacred Space," an area of the home featuring such spiritual aids as icons, candles, incense, a Bible and prayer books and a prayer rope, "Practicing Prayer" takes practitioners through an array of physical and spiritual lessons -- from making the sign of the cross, prayer postures, prostrations, and veneration of icons to the Orthodox Christian's treasured "Jesus Prayer."

The ancient prayer is both simple and short, but profound in its meaning, and beyond comprehension in its spiritual power. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me," in partnership with a knotted prayer rope, is far more than a "Christian mantra," Goussetis writes, and it goes far beyond a "rhythmic incantation but implies a personal relationship . . . an expression of love between ourselves and God."

This book's value does not end with the 28th and final lesson. You will not master its lessons nor plumb the depths of its spiritual insights in a month, a year, or even a lifetime.

But like breathing itself, so is daily prayer to the soul of the Christian. "Practicing Prayer" will be invaluable to filling your spiritual lungs now, and preparing you for that life of the world to come.



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