Hi,
I was wondering if any of you could help me to find a spiritual father. I have recently starting practicing the Jesus Prayer and I have found that do need the guidance to pray it well and also for other things that are going on in my life right now.
Can any of you recommend somebody to me?
Thank you in advance,
Alyosha
Are you physically unable to attend services? If not, please do not try to practice the Jesus Prayer until you are regularly going to church. Otherwise, you will do more harm than good.
If you are physically unable to attend a church, then practicing the Jesus prayer along with singing the typica service at home would help you greatly.
Please clear up for us whether you are unable to attend church or whether you just think you're "too busy" because it isn't clear from you post.
thanks!
anastasios
Disclaimer: Many older posts were made before my baptism and thus may not reflect an Orthodox point of view.
Please do not message me with questions about the forum or moderation requests. Jonathan Gress (jgress) will be able to assist you.
Please note that I do not subscribe to "Old Calendar Ecumenism" and believe that only the Synod of Archbishop Kallinikos is the canonical GOC of Greece. I do believe, however, that we can break down barriers and misunderstandings through prayer and discussion on forums such as this one.
Alyosha,
Thanks for the reply.
I believe that for the most part your parish priest should be your spiritual director. Perhaps this doesn't sound as glamorous as having a bushy bearded monk living in a cave give you spiritual direction, but having your parish priest as spiritual father makes one accountable for day to day living in the form of regular confession. My personal opinion is that Orthodox Christian laymen of today should just try to say their morning and evening prayers, go to confession and communion as much as they are physically able, and work to acquire basic Christian virtues. Again, my personal opinion is that finding a spiritual father to guide one in the use of the Jesus Prayer should be a secondary consideration of sorts, as I find it difficult enough to practice basic Christianity in my day to day life.
If , however, you feel you need an advanced spiritual director I would first consult your parish priest and see what he feels. He may be able to guide you in your saying of the Jesus Prayer or point you to someone who can. Besides that, many saints have prayed that they be given an advanced elder who can guide them. So, I'd say talk to your priest and pray for a spiritual father, if this is what God wants for you it will come.
