Teenager aspiring to become Orthodox

[ImperfectRose]

Thank you for the link, simplygermain.

I still have not gotten any better at praying. I currently say the Jesus Prayer throughout the day and while I'm trying to sleep. Occasionally I will take out my headscarf, put it on, and do some prostrations and pre-written prayers when I remember to. I'm trying to do better.

Please pray for me, so that I may pray for you as well.

[simplygermain]

Thank you for the link, simplygermain.

I still have not gotten any better at praying. I currently say the Jesus Prayer throughout the day and while I'm trying to sleep. Occasionally I will take out my headscarf, put it on, and do some prostrations and pre-written prayers when I remember to. I'm trying to do better.

Please pray for me, so that I may pray for you as well.

Consider it done and Thank you for your prayers. My name is Germanus+

[ImperfectRose]

Thank you for the link, simplygermain.

I still have not gotten any better at praying. I currently say the Jesus Prayer throughout the day and while I'm trying to sleep. Occasionally I will take out my headscarf, put it on, and do some prostrations and pre-written prayers when I remember to. I'm trying to do better.

Please pray for me, so that I may pray for you as well.

Consider it done and Thank you for your prayers. My name is Germanus+

You are very welcome. My name is Jacqueline.

[Aindriú]

Thank you for the link, simplygermain.

I still have not gotten any better at praying. I currently say the Jesus Prayer throughout the day and while I'm trying to sleep. Occasionally I will take out my headscarf, put it on, and do some prostrations and pre-written prayers when I remember to. I'm trying to do better.

Please pray for me, so that I may pray for you as well.

You may know this, not sure, but there is a difference between Protestant and Orthodox prayer.

Widely throughout Protestant denominations, you'll notice a desire to know God, but their answer to know God is through knowledge. The concept that you must first know God upstairs (in the brain) before you can know him in the heart, is not traditional Orthodox. While knowledge helps us focus a relationship, first you must create an nurture the relationship with God. That is, feel Jesus in your heart. Prayer is foremost experiential. Don't just say or read words, open yourself through them. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God! Have mercy on me... a sinner." Feel the peace of God, as you accept Him into your heart. And let that peace change you to His will, and fill you with His love.

There are many good books available, if your interested in this form of prayer.

[ImperfectRose]

Thank you for the link, simplygermain.

I still have not gotten any better at praying. I currently say the Jesus Prayer throughout the day and while I'm trying to sleep. Occasionally I will take out my headscarf, put it on, and do some prostrations and pre-written prayers when I remember to. I'm trying to do better.

Please pray for me, so that I may pray for you as well.

You may know this, not sure, but there is a difference between Protestant and Orthodox prayer.

Widely throughout Protestant denominations, you'll notice a desire to know God, but their answer to know God is through knowledge. The concept that you must first know God upstairs (in the brain) before you can know him in the heart, is not traditional Orthodox. While knowledge helps us focus a relationship, first you must create an nurture the relationship with God. That is, feel Jesus in your heart. Prayer is foremost experiential. Don't just say or read words, open yourself through them. "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God! Have mercy on me... a sinner." Feel the peace of God, as you accept Him into your heart. And let that peace change you to His will, and fill you with His love.

There are many good books available, if your interested in this form of prayer.

Yes, actually, I did know that.

I realized that quite a bit ago. Protestants think that by pretty much googling God, they think that they automatically will "know" God, when you actually get to know God through daily prayer, reading the Holy Scriptures, and patience. I try to say my prayers with deep meaning, and I say them slowly, so that I actually know what I'm saying and mean it too. It's quite difficult because, being a teenager, I don't have much patience but I'm working on it.

[Aindriú]

Oh! Well... Good!    Carry on.


And for you spiritual path: Lord, have mercy. 

[ImperfectRose]

Oh! Well... Good!    Carry on.


And for you spiritual path: Lord, have mercy. 

Haha. Thank you.

Lord, have mercy on you, as well.

[simplygermain]

While Azurestone's suggestions are a nice sentiment, praying is more than getting a feeling, and I believe it should so be clarified. So, yes, absorbing the prayer consciously, saying each word with meaning and depth is a good place to begin. Though it is not the substance of prayer.

Many of the Holy Fathers have taught that prayer of the heart is a watchful state. Be aware of your thoughts and do not get wrapped up in the "feelings" of it. In facet, it is best to be mindful of emotions which arise, keeping them in check.

You are heading down the narrow path, my sister. The enemy will fight against you at every turn. Be mindful of who you speak to and what you say. Much more will be added to you at your baptism and chrismation, and then again each time you partake of the Mystery of Communion. In the meantime, May God Bless You and Keep you always.

In Christ - SG+

[Aindriú]

While Azurestone's suggestions are a nice sentiment, praying is more than getting a feeling, and I believe it should so be clarified. So, yes, absorbing the prayer consciously, saying each word with meaning and depth is a good place to begin. Though it is not the substance of prayer.

Many of the Holy Fathers have taught that prayer of the heart is a watchful state. Be aware of your thoughts and do not get wrapped up in the "feelings" of it. In facet, it is best to be mindful of emotions which arise, keeping them in check.

You are heading down the narrow path, my sister. The enemy will fight against you at every turn. Be mindful of who you speak to and what you say. Much more will be added to you at your baptism and chrismation, and then again each time you partake of the Mystery of Communion. In the meantime, May God Bless You and Keep you always.

In Christ - SG+

You're misrepresenting my words. I'm not talking about emotion, nor am I saying it is the only purpose of prayer.

Prayer is experiential, and not merely an intellectual exercise. Pure intellect leaves God out of the picture. It is important to remember that prayer is a relationship with God, not a picture in your mind of who you think God is. This is manifestation is often described as peace. This is not the same as emotion or elation. It is literally feeling God's peace while you pray.

Also, prayer is still a conversation, not a pure meditation. So it is not purely intellectual, nor is it pure mindlessness (emotion). It is fostering a relationship with God by opening up to Him.

[simplygermain]

While Azurestone's suggestions are a nice sentiment, praying is more than getting a feeling, and I believe it should so be clarified. So, yes, absorbing the prayer consciously, saying each word with meaning and depth is a good place to begin. Though it is not the substance of prayer.

Many of the Holy Fathers have taught that prayer of the heart is a watchful state. Be aware of your thoughts and do not get wrapped up in the "feelings" of it. In facet, it is best to be mindful of emotions which arise, keeping them in check.

You are heading down the narrow path, my sister. The enemy will fight against you at every turn. Be mindful of who you speak to and what you say. Much more will be added to you at your baptism and chrismation, and then again each time you partake of the Mystery of Communion. In the meantime, May God Bless You and Keep you always.

In Christ - SG+

You're misrepresenting my words. I'm not talking about emotion, nor am I saying it is the only purpose of prayer.

Prayer is experiential, and not merely an intellectual exercise. Pure intellect leaves God out of the picture. It is important to remember that prayer is a relationship with God, not a picture in your mind of who you think God is. This is manifestation is often described as peace. This is not the same as emotion or elation. It is literally feeling God's peace while you pray.

Also, prayer is still a conversation, not a pure meditation. So it is not purely intellectual, nor is it pure mindlessness (emotion). It is fostering a relationship with God by opening up to Him.

Azurestone, I didn't misrepresent your words. I agree with what you said. Rather,  I was clarifying for the Newby. Please forgive, if I came across otherwise. Talking about prayer is beyond me, as it is so close to me. It is easier to say little than to say too much. I shall leave well enough alone. Thank you for your clarification as well.

In Christ - SG+

[Aindriú]

While Azurestone's suggestions are a nice sentiment, praying is more than getting a feeling, and I believe it should so be clarified. So, yes, absorbing the prayer consciously, saying each word with meaning and depth is a good place to begin. Though it is not the substance of prayer.

Many of the Holy Fathers have taught that prayer of the heart is a watchful state. Be aware of your thoughts and do not get wrapped up in the "feelings" of it. In facet, it is best to be mindful of emotions which arise, keeping them in check.

You are heading down the narrow path, my sister. The enemy will fight against you at every turn. Be mindful of who you speak to and what you say. Much more will be added to you at your baptism and chrismation, and then again each time you partake of the Mystery of Communion. In the meantime, May God Bless You and Keep you always.

In Christ - SG+

You're misrepresenting my words. I'm not talking about emotion, nor am I saying it is the only purpose of prayer.

Prayer is experiential, and not merely an intellectual exercise. Pure intellect leaves God out of the picture. It is important to remember that prayer is a relationship with God, not a picture in your mind of who you think God is. This is manifestation is often described as peace. This is not the same as emotion or elation. It is literally feeling God's peace while you pray.

Also, prayer is still a conversation, not a pure meditation. So it is not purely intellectual, nor is it pure mindlessness (emotion). It is fostering a relationship with God by opening up to Him.

Azurestone, I didn't misrepresent your words. I agree with what you said. Rather,  I was clarifying for the Newby. Please forgive, if I came across otherwise. Talking about prayer is beyond me, as it is so close to me. It is easier to say little than to say too much. I shall leave well enough alone. Thank you for your clarification as well.

In Christ - SG+

Oh, sorry. I thought you were under the impression I was advocating charismatic or 'burning bosom' prayer. Which is certainly not my intention.

Sorry, for the antagonism... 

[ImperfectRose]

Would anyone be so kind as to post more links to online Orthodox prayers that I could use?

I'm making a prayerbook out of this pretty notebook my mom's friend gave me for my birthday, and I'm trying to fill it up with prayers so that I can keep it at my bedside and pray without having to get online. Thank you.

[Benjamin the Red]

Sure:

As found in the Jordanville Prayer Book:

Morning Prayers
Evening Prayers

From the Antichoian Orthodox Archdiocese:

Morning Prayers
Midday Prayers
Evening Prayers
Occasional Prayers

The Jordanville Rule is fairly long, and so I don't recommend beginning with it in-full, although I find many of the prayers in it very beautiful. The Antiochian prayers are shorter, and also very beautiful.

The "Occasional prayers" include prayers for a number of occurrances, and I love using them throughout the day. They come in a small pocket-sized red book, with the morning, midday and evening prayers. I'll see if I can find a link to order that. It's very cheap and easily concealed!

[Gorazd]

Anastasia Romanov? 

It should be Anastasia Romanova! (and even Sarah Palina)

[mike]

Anastasia Romanov?

It should be Anastasia Romanova! (and even Sarah Palina)

St. Anastasia.

[ImperfectRose]

Thank you for the links, Benjamin The Red. These will really come in handy.

[mabsoota]

hi!
guys, you who are interested in orthodoxy were quoted here in this post:
http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,39152.new.html#new
which got me wondering how you all are.
how are your spiritual lives? may God give you all much grace and patience and may the prayers of the Holy mother of God saint mary and all the saints be with you.

i also had many obstacles on my way to becoming orhtodox, but it is through these struggles that we can grow spiritually.
God bless you
 

[simplygermain]

ImperfectRose, its been a while since you posted and I was wondering how your path has progressed. Did you finish your prayer book? Did your parents budge on allowing you to attend a service?
Let us know how its going.

-SG+

BTW...Hi, Mabsoota!

[Ersaia]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

[Cyrillic]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

I thought you were going to say something nasty about us when I read that sentence. But welcome to the forum 

[Ansgar]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

Thank you 

And welcome to the forum.

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

That's so kind, thank you!!!   

[mike]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

That's so kind, thank you!!!  

Can you stop changing your beliefs more frequently than I change my underwear?

[William]

I can't say we're a bunch to be proud of. There are godly adolescents out there I'm sure, but those of us on this site who don't switch over to Anglicanism or atheism on a weekly basis don't really practice Orthodoxy for reals anyways.

[That person]

Agnosticism thank you very much. And I did go to an Anglican Ash Wednesday service. Hmmm...

Regardless, Aresia gave me something to think about.

[Cyrillic]

I can't say we're a bunch to be proud of.

Probably this. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. But let's not be too pessimistic.

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

That's so kind, thank you!!!  

Can you stop changing your beliefs more frequently than I change my underwear?

I've only been Orthodox, non-Orthodox (Anglican), then Orthodox again.  I should hope you've changed your underwear more than three times in the last year.

[mike]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

That's so kind, thank you!!!   

Can you stop changing your beliefs more frequently than I change my underwear?

I've only been Orthodox, non-Orthodox (Anglican), then Orthodox again.  I should hope you've changed your underwear more than three times in the last year.

I remember: some kind of Protestant => Orthodox => Orthodox Catholicphile => Orthodox => Anglican => Orthodox => Orthodox and Anglican => Orthodox (despite having Anglican priest in the avatar)

[genesisone]

I find it encouraging that teenagers are looking at Orthodoxy seriously. Some may not stay - but at least they've given it a chance and just may come back when they find that other faiths are lacking the fullness of Orthodoxy. In any case, it's up to the more mature Orthodox to take these younger ones under our wing and guide them along as best we can.

[Ersaia]

I find it encouraging that teenagers are looking at Orthodoxy seriously. Some may not stay - but at least they've given it a chance and just may come back when they find that other faiths are lacking the fullness of Orthodoxy. In any case, it's up to the more mature Orthodox to take these younger ones under our wing and guide them along as best we can.

Exactly!
the last years I have seen more teenagers around the world flirt with paganism so it's encouraging to see those teenagers search about orthodoxy.
When they mature they will have orthodoxy in their minds and they will compare other religions. It's good anyway

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

I register here because of all these teenagers...

It's like a shock for me (as greek-orthodox-all-my-life) to see teenagers who search alone and found orthodoxy, teenagers want to convert alone without any family or friend person talk to them about orthodoxy.

Teenagers who search orthodox churches near them and with "near" they mean a church 60 miles away. I have church in 60 meters, I can go there in 30 seconds.... well, to be honest I have 3 big churches around a mile.

Every summer I can see mountain Athos if the sky is clean. Greece is like a garden for Orthodoxy but here I can't see teenagers like all of you.

I feel very deep respect for you...
you found the road and it was not easy
welcome....

That's so kind, thank you!!!   

Can you stop changing your beliefs more frequently than I change my underwear?

I've only been Orthodox, non-Orthodox (Anglican), then Orthodox again.  I should hope you've changed your underwear more than three times in the last year.

I remember: some kind of Protestant => Orthodox => Orthodox Catholicphile => Orthodox => Anglican => Orthodox => Orthodox and Anglican => Orthodox (despite having Anglican priest in the avatar)

I've been a Christian all this time, it's just my Church that has changed.

[mabsoota]

i see u have in yr avatar the actress dawn french playing the 'vicar of dibley'.
did u watch the series?
it was on several years ago just before i got bored of the tv and got rid it permanently.

i thought it was funny but not based on real english village life.
that was, until i lived in a real english village (several years ago) and went to the real english anglican village church and attended the real english village anglican church parish council meeting.

it was just like in the tv show, about 7 people present, and only one standing for re-election as care-taker of the church, and even then one of the other members abstained from voting him in!
i could barely restrain myself from saying to this person 'you do realise you are just being difficult, why don't you support him? no-one else is offering to do the job, so you could just be nice and cheer him on!'
but i wasn't a council member, and was only allowed to stay in the meeting (following the general meeting of all members) on the basis that i wouldn't speak, so i had to shut up.
(if u knew me, u would also allow me in on a non-speaking basis only!)

people in towns are much friendlier.
maybe it's the greater proportion of teenagers that helps!
 

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

i see u have in yr avatar the actress dawn french playing the 'vicar of dibley'.
did u watch the series?

Yes, I LOVE that show!!! 

[mabsoota]

do u have people like that in north america?
i imagine there are in small country towns.

i did know a real life anglican lady vicar though, she wasn't like that at all (from a slightly bigger town!)
she was really kind and prayed with me a few times when i was having a rough time at work.
she moved away (and then i did) at about the same time i was becoming orthodox.
i was (even more) ignorant in those days, so i hope i didn't scare her away from orthodoxy!

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

do u have people like that in north america?
i imagine there are in small country towns.

i did know a real life anglican lady vicar though, she wasn't like that at all (from a slightly bigger town!)
she was really kind and prayed with me a few times when i was having a rough time at work.
she moved away (and then i did) at about the same time i was becoming orthodox.
i was (even more) ignorant in those days, so i hope i didn't scare her away from orthodoxy!

We do, especially in the small Churches (like my Orthodox Church.)  I've met two female priests in the Anglican Church I went to, and they were great, thugh not like the Vicar of Dibley!

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