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Get rid of all the thoughts and images in your head and clear your mind. Put your mind into the words. Read slower as well, because it helps to get rid of any thoughts once they come, as well as putting, as I said, your mind into the words. Sometimes, if you know prayers by heart, it is easier if you close your eyes. Sometimes the old rite tradition of crossing your arms also helps. Anyway I am the last person that should be giving advices, but none of these are my words. I suggest you getting a book by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov \"On Jesus Prayer\", which you can find on Amazon.
i think it just depends on what church you go to. here in america i go to a antiochian orthodox church and when my husband,former methodist, joined the church he was just christmated but back in the russian orthodox church (in germany) everybody who wanted to become orthodox had to be baptized even catholics. i think that it depends on what church you go to some are very strict and some are more liberal. but im not an expert on this topic i just wanted to share my experience.
wow! i didnt expect so many people to respond!
i want to let everyone know that your advise is greatly appreciated!
it definatley helps me to become a better christian. when i first started this forum/blog, in the back of my head i kind of hoped that someone will just give me some kind of \\"magical\\" formula and my life will be much better. lol i know that was kind of silly. but all your advise made me realize that only through my works will i be able to get closer to our Lord and only He can give me peace and comfort in this world. the whole time i was so concentrated on myself that i didnt even think about the people around me. im still not sure if there is a \\"balance\\". i think that maybe it is ment for us to struggle until the end. i mean if we are christians then we are not of this world and our true home is the Kingdom of Heaven. and how can we ever get comfortable in a strange world far away from home?
im not a theologian and im not saying that what i think is right and please correct me if im wrong. thats just what i think, not know!
so, one more time.. thank you everybody for taking the time to give me all this great advise! and please dont hesitate to share ur thoughts. keep it coming,i can never get enough advise from my fellow brothers and sisters!
May God remember all of you in his Heavenly Kingdom!
I\'always been orthodox but just about 1 year ago have I stated to (try to) live the faith and try to walk in the narrow path but I find it very hard to find the balance between this world and the faith. It seems like the two dont go together. Im confused.. I feel like if I would really live by Gods Word only I would have to detach myself from this world but since i live in it, i can not do that. How can i truly live a christian life in this world?
Or, am I the only one who feels that way? Does anyone else struggle with that? If so, how do you deal with that?
Your sister in Christ,
Vera