Which is the true aim of life
The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of… the Holy Spirit of God.
So, if someone does not acquire the Holy Spirit is a loser, and that’s why he cannot find his peace even if he’ll obtain anything else in the world.
That’s why an extraordinary service called the Kneeling Prayer, is observed on the night of Pentecost. This is a Vespers service to which are added three sets of long poetical prayers, the composition of Saint Basil the Great, during which everyone makes a full prostration, touching their foreheads to the floor (prostrations in church having been forbidden from the day of Pascha (Easter) up to this point). Uniquely, these prayers include a petition for all of those in hell, that they may be granted relief and even ultimate release from their confinement, if God deems this possible.
Based on Sf. Seraphim of Sarov
In this photo Metropolitan Athanasios of Lemessos reading the kneeling prayers in the Vatopaidi’s main church.
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Member of the Orthodox Church
Excellent lesson! God bless you always!
Should we pray every day for both living and departed people?
Which prayers should be most common to say during the day?
Ioan Toma
Yes, we should pray every day for both living and departed people. This will help not only the ones for which we are praying for but also will help us.
The best prayer to say is “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me” (The Jesus Prayer) – some posts are on the pipeline about this.
Member of the Orthodox Church
Thank you very much for your answer. The Jesus Prayer is short, meaningful and easier for us to pray any time. Is it better to say it in Greek language (for having more complete meaning)?
Should prayers for living people be separated from the prayers for departed people, please?
Ioan Toma
1. The Greek language isn’t a magical language. You should say the prayer in the language in which you feel/understand better the prayer. “Complete meaning” depends on you. How much do you understand the prayer in a certain language. That said, indeed, in Greek language the Prayer sounds more fluent.
2. Preferably, yes. However, take care to not induce wandering of the mind. If you see that instead of prayer you’re thinking something like “Person A should be in group B and person C should be in group D” then you lost your main target. Pray for all together with attention and humility and everything else doesn’t matter anymore.
Member of the Orthodox Church
Thank you very much for your answer!
May Saint Mary Mother of God together with All Other Saints and Angels intercede for You in Heaven to give you the best possible Spiritual Level!