Prayer

 (general message)

The lecture speaks about the nature of prayer and how to learn and practice it. The speaker affirms that prayer needs teaching and training, and is not mere words or rituals. He explains that true prayer is a connection between the soul and God, and is based on reverence, brokenness, love, faith, and perseverance. Examples from the Bible (Elijah, Hannah/Samuel’s mother, David, the publican, and the penitent thief) are cited to show that acceptable prayers are those that come from a sincere and humble heart.

Practical spiritual instructions

• Reverence (Khashu`): Prayer should be accompanied by an external posture (standing, prostration, removing shoes) that expresses the sanctity of the place and the humility of the soul. Physical reverence helps the soul’s reverence.
• Spiritual connection: The Arabic word for prayer (ṣalāh) implies that it is a living connection to God’s Spirit, not mere recitation. If a person does not feel this connection, their prayer is not effective.
• The heart first: The value of prayer is not in its length or the number of words, but in the sincerity of the heart and its closeness to God; a single heartfelt phrase can surpass hundreds of cold prayers.
• Love before asking: He teaches that connection by love to God is the foundation of prayer; the supplicant should ask God to give him His love and the desire to cling to Him, and the priority of prayer is to seek God’s face and His kingdom.
• Faith and perseverance: Prayer must be practiced with faith and perseverance (examples: Jacob, Moses, wrestling with God), not giving up at the first trial.

Spiritual/educational dimension from a Coptic Orthodox perspective

From the Coptic Orthodox faith perspective, prayer is seen as an invitation to liturgical and spiritual participation in the impulse of communal and personal worship: it is entering God’s house with reverence and testing our spirituality through the daily prayers and sacraments. The Church teaches reverence and confession of sin before God (psalms, prayer of repentance) and rising above show. It also nurtures prayer in love, piety, and attachment to the Body of Christ (the Church) by praying for unity and the salvation of souls.

Practical conclusion

True prayer demands: reverence, a real connection with God, a broken and loving heart, persevering faith, and focus on seeking God’s face and kingdom. Daily practice and prayer from love make closeness to God a spiritual habit that receives response before Him.

Reverence

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