Why Do I Pray ? by Fr Christopher P Foustoukos

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. (Luke 18:1)

Great Lent is upon us and the Orthodox Church turns its attention to the three focal points of the Lenten Season: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Most of the time I use the monthly bulletin in Great lent to talk about Fasting. This year I would like to turn our attention to Prayer which for many folks is a great mystery. I have friends who seem to have dramatic answers to their prayers quite often, but seldom do I see an obvious answer to my prayers.

So why do I pray? I pray because “I can’t not pray.” I pray for the same reason I breathe, sigh, groan, walk, talk, sing or laugh. Without the release that prayer gives me, my anxieties and frustrations would soon reach dangerous levels.

If I had to make an appointment with a doctor every time I was troubled, I would have long ago bankrupted the entire health-care system, singlehandedly.

But prayer? No appointment necessary. No paperwork, and no copay. I just open my heart to the Great Physician, wherever I am: on the riding mower, working on the computer, or speeding down 128.

I know, prayer is no substitute for professional counseling, but the act of praying is healing to me. I can “divulge” things to God and my Spiritual Father and know that they will keep my confidences. I can “wrestle” with God before I yield to His will. I can speak to Him about my shortcomings without being judged.

I’m okay with the mystery of prayer. I don’t have to witness answers to my prayers to know that they have been heard and processed. I trust Christ to do what is best, on His timetable.

To me, prayer is less like putting coins in a vending machine, and more like a very powerful cell phone, built into my head, that can reach heaven on a moment’s notice, without dialing, and with unlimited minutes. I don’t know where I would be without this Heavenly Phone. So I want to encourage all of you to spend some time each day during Great Lent to sit still and talk to God. Talk to Him about your troubles, anxieties and fears. And yes, do the best you can to both fast and give to those in need. However, talk to Christ daily and listen to that still small voice speaking to you regarding His sacrificial love and care for you and your soul.

As the Psalmist David writes (PS55:22) Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

+ Fr Christopher P Foustoukos