by Chris Banescu –
Discipline in our prayer life is more important than motivation or feelings. Prayer cannot be subject to our whims. We need to pray, even when we don’t feel like it. We need to pray, even when we lack the desire to do so. We need to pray, even when we are not in the mood to pray.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like praying. Just do what you’re supposed to do,” advises Fr. Nicolae Dima. God’s grace will come upon you as a result of your faithfulness and discipline, not as a result of your inspiration, your concentration, or your emotional disposition.
Prayer discipline does not mean just going through the motions. It’s not empty ritual. Prayer discipline is not mechanistic. It’s not habitual repetition. Prayer must be sincere. Prayer must be intentional. Pray every word. Prayer discipline is a faithful and steadfast commitment to communicate with God and invite Him into our life.
As Fr. Thomas Hopko taught, prayer is a conscious act of bringing our mind, soul, heart, and mind before God. It’s an intentional and conscious act of uniting our whole being with God. Prayer discipline is essential if we are to stay on the right and narrow path that leads to Christ, to healing, sanctification, and salvation.
Prayer requires effort. Prayer requires dedication. Prayer requires persistence. And God appreciate our efforts. The Holy Fathers say that God considers these disciplined prayers especially worthy. “If you do not feel like praying, you have to force yourself. The Holy Fathers say that prayer with force is higher than prayer unforced. The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force (Matthew 11:12),” wrote St. Ambrose of Optima.
Therefore, pray regularly regardless of your spiritual condition; despite the lack of motivation or unfavorable emotional states. Very often you will find that God’s grace is at work in your soul especially when you pray in the midst of difficult situations. Even if you’re not aware of it or sense it in that moment, have faith that God’s Holy Spirit is active and working to help and heal you.
