The Shepherd, June 2004
PRACTICAL TIP
IT MIGHT NOT be out of place to remind ourselves under the heading of “Practical Tip,” of a practical aspect of our Christian life that we should never neglect: visiting the sick, infirm and elderly. Convert Orthodoxy seems, perhaps understandably, to concern itself with the rites, practices, and disciplines of Orthodox church life, and these are important. However, we have not joined a religious cult but the Church, indeed the Church founded, not by one who said “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye keep the fasts, if ye make the required number of bows, and say long prayers,” but rather by the One Who said, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). We can practise that love by caring for those who are isolated by infirmity or old age, and should take every opportunity to do so. Often these things are left for the clergy to do, but it is not only the clergy who are called to be Christ’s disciples and to have love for one another.
A PRAYER OF ST PHILARET OF MOSCOW
(+ 1867 A.D)
At the Beginning of the Day
O LORD, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Thy holy will. In every hour of the day, reveal Thy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that come to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that Thy will governeth all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by Thee. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatique of the day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will; teach me to pray; pray Thou Thyself in me.
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