-
Prayer Before Bed
Read more: Prayer Before BedSome written prayers are simply better than anything you can think of yourself. There are phrases in this traditional Orthodox “prayer before bed” that speak worlds. “…or seen the beauty of someone and been wounded by it in my heart…” To the Holy Spirit: O Lord, the Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: […]
-
Beginning to Pray
Read more: Beginning to PrayI have written from time to time on the nature of prayer. I was recently asked by a reader to offer a reflection on “beginning to pray,” which seems to me to be an invitation to write about something that happens for me, by necessity, every day. I cannot write as a man of great […]
-
Transfiguration and the Bridal Chamber
Read more: Transfiguration and the Bridal ChamberThere is a propensity in our modern world to break things down – to analyze. We have gained a certain mastery over many things by analyzing various components of their structure and manipulating what we find. It has become the default position of modern thought. This power of analysis, however, is weakened by its very […]
-
The Fullness of Faith
Read more: The Fullness of FaithI prefer to use the term “fullness” when describing the Orthodox faith because it is far more explanatory than simply saying that we are the “true Church,” etc. “Fullness,” of course does not deny this, but it moves us onto more fruitful ground. In this post I offer a short list of what seem to […]
-
Speaking With Authority
Read more: Speaking With AuthorityAnd when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes (Matt. 7:28-29). Authority is an interesting phenomenon – though not often what people may think. I remember the first few years of my ministry – fresh from seminary. There […]
-
Rightly Reading – Yet Again
Read more: Rightly Reading – Yet AgainI am reprinting this short article on “rightly reading” in response to comments on my last post. I suspect that this article will be reprinted often when the subject of the study of Scripture arises. The course of your reading should be parallel to the aim of your way of life…. Most books that contain […]
-
The Orthodox Reading of Scripture
Read more: The Orthodox Reading of ScriptureThe following quote is from the Christian history website maintained by Christianity Today (an evangelical source). It describes the crucial teaching role of St. Irenaeus of Lyons, an early Bishop of the Church and later a martyr, and perhaps the most articulate spokesman of Orthodox theology in the 2nd century. The article discusses Irenaeus’ refutation of the […]
-
Usefulness and Beauty
Read more: Usefulness and BeautyThe recent questions about knowing God – which I have described as something that often comes to me in the “peripheral vision” of my life – seems somehow related to the perception of beauty as well. Beauty often seems to be “greater than the sum of its parts.” We see beauty not simply by looking at […]
-
With What Little We Know – It Is Enough
Read more: With What Little We Know – It Is EnoughThe question was offered earlier today: What is the place of asceticism in the life of a family? Should we learn to guard the intellect, strive for pure prayer, etc. in a similar way as a monastic would? I offer here a reprint that speaks to the question. For the truth is, we will know little […]
-
To Gain Paradise
Read more: To Gain ParadiseI stumbled across the following quote from St. Cosmos of Aetolia: The Martyrs earned paradise with their blood; the Monastics, with their ascetic life. Now we, my brethren, who beget children, how shall we earn paradise? With hospitality, by relieving the poor, the blind, the lame, as Joachim (the father of the Theotokos ) did…. […]
Subscribe to blog via email
Support the work
Your generous support for Glory to God for All Things will help maintain and expand the work of Fr. Stephen. This ministry continues to grow and your help is important. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Latest Comments
The Orthodox priest who received my family and me was a rogue who taught serious errors. Despite that after my…
Father , I love stories like this about Geoffrey Wainwright and your pursuit to study under his direction! Providentially almost…
Dee, You’re right, across the board. There are strengths and weaknesses everywhere. It’s one of the reasons I keep pointing…
Dear Father, I appreciate your elaboration about the scripture very much. Your guidance has always been a beacon of light.…
Read my books
Listen to my podcast
Please Read
Categories
Archives
Yes, always looking for Christ. What a wonderful discussion. Thank you Dee and Fr. Stephen, I am grateful for both…