The Priest: A Man of Prayer

The lecture affirms that the priest is not merely a liturgical servant or preacher only, but primarily a man of prayer and an intercessor between God and people, required to pray without ceasing for himself and for the people.

The priest’s prayer duties

1. The priest should remember the names of people and their needs and place them on the altar if he does not have private prayers for them.

2. He should pray seriously and with reverence during liturgical and secret prayers, and his prayers should be deep not routine.

3. He should struggle with God for matters that seem intractable and mention incurable illnesses, travelers and the needy within his prayers.

Practical aspects of the priest’s prayer

1. Prayer for confessions, the midnight office, visitation and visits to the sick — all require special prayer directed to the person’s situation.

2. Family prayer is obligatory — the priest must pray with his family and for them so they feel he prays for them.

3. The priest must not excuse himself by busyness from prayer; prayer must be at the forefront of his ministry.

Spirituality of the rite and the melody

1. The priest should consider the spirituality of the rite: what he says, how he says it, and the speed of performance so that people understand and live the spiritual experience.

2. The melody and hymns have a role in reaching hearts; a chanted prayer with spirituality stirs souls and conveys spiritual depth.

Functional conclusion

The wise minister balances between liturgical prayers and personal and individual prayer for people, and makes prayer a primary tool of intercession and spiritual care with love and humility.

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