The Evergetinos: Book Two - Hypothesis IX, Part II and Hypothesis X, Part I

Philokalia Ministries

Breaking the night for prayer!! The very idea either never comes into the mind of modern Christians or it sends a shudder through the heart. The idea of limiting something like sleep for the sake of prayer, of humbling the mind and body in such a way on purpose and regularly seems to express a type of insanity. Would I not make myself sick or incapable of working the next day if such a practice were embraced in modern times.

Yet, it is a constant practice throughout the spiritual tradition; to sanctify time and foster an urgent longing within the heart for God that causes the soul to rise, even in the night, to seek him. Admittedly, this may require that we simplify our lives. There is already a frenetic pace in our day-to-day lives; a busyness that is almost suffocating. Such makes the idea of adding night prayer to that seem impossible and even frightening.

One can only come to know the fruit of this through experience. In the stillness of the night, impediments that often plague us throughout the course of the day fall away. Creation itself grows quiet and with it the human heart. Such a heart filled with urgent longing for the Lord will rise eagerly and with joy to taste the sweetness of his presence!

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Text of chat during the group:

00:59:01 Anthony: Perhaps a principle issue I'd reconciling the mind / interior thoughts with the heart / the noetic sentiment of affection for one's true calling. 01:02:04 Kate : Do the Fathers differentiate between vocal prayer and mental prayer, or is that a Western distinction? Is there a recommendation to the kind of prayer that would take place during a night vigil? 01:02:34 Lisa Smith: I find the setting has a huge impact on prayer/ like a noisy city compared to the quiet woods. I find it easiest to pray in a rural solitary place. With minimal distractions 01:03:31 Ann Thelen: what is the best way to discern if waking in the night to prayer is something we are called to? or are we all called to this? Maybe I am overthinking this. 01:06:22 Ann Thelen: fear of failure in this resolve seems to be the thing that immediately presents itself when thinking about rising in the night for prayer. 01:08:42 Lisa Smith: Catherine Daughtery wrote a series called Poustina. I've been meaning to read that. 01:10:38 Wayne: Replying to "Catherine Daughtery ..." I do have a copy of this book 01:10:58 Lisa Smith: Replying to "Catherine Daughtery ..." 🙏 01:10:59 Ambrose Little: I wouldn’t suggest that’s a healthy model! 😄 01:11:07 Rebecca Thérèse: Before the modern era it was common for the night to be divided into "two sleeps". It was really the industrial revolution that ended this practice. 01:11:50 Ambrose Little: Replying to "I wouldn’t suggest t..." Saying that as one who’s helped his wife stay sane through 7 kiddos. It’s not a time we want to extend or further. 01:14:47 Anthony: Another ill effect of the "reformation," particularly the English variety. 01:16:37 Anthony: Yes 01:17:15 Ann Thelen: I appreciate the analogy of nursing the baby. We have five children and the youngest is 7 now. My excuse has been that I will be tired if i get in the night to pray. That analogy shed light on my excuse. It actually spoke to my heart saying "Ann, you've done this before. Don't be afraid of it" 01:20:00 Maureen Cunningham: Susan Wesley would put an apron over her head she 12 children everyone new she was in prayer 01:23:31 Lisa Smith: Thank you Fr. God bless you.🙏 01:23:32 Maureen Cunningham: Blessing Father 01:24:09 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father! 01:24:10 Ann Thelen: Thank you 01:24:11 Dave Warner (AL): Thank you Father! 01:24:20 Steve Yu: Thanks, Father! 01:24:22 Maureen Cunningham: You are to kind of 01:24:25 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙂 01:24:43 Leilani Nemeroff: Thanks