If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:6-8
“Every action has its quality, and this quality God has reserved to His own will and gift. In order that the dependence of man upon God, the will of God, may be shown the more clearly, and that he may be plunged more deeply into humility, God has assigned to the will and strength of man only the quantity of prayer. He has commanded unceasing prayer, always to pray, at all times and in every place.
By this the secret method of achieving true prayer, and at the same time faith, and the fulfillment of God’s commandments, and salvation, are revealed. Thus, it is quantity which is assigned to man, as his share; frequency of prayer is his own, and within the province of his will. This is exactly what the Fathers of the church teach.
St. Macarius the Great says truly to pray is the gift of grace. Isaiah the Solitary says that frequency of prayer becomes a habit and turns into second nature, and without frequent calling upon the name of Jesus Christ it is impossible to cleanse the heart. The venerable Callistus and Ignatius counsel frequent, continuous prayer in the name of Jesus Christ before all ascetic exercises and good works, because frequency brings even the imperfect prayer to perfection.
Blessed Diadochos asserts that if a man calls upon the name of God as often as possible, then he will not fall into sin. What experience and wisdom there are here, and how near to the heart these practical instructions of the Fathers are. In their experience and simplicity they throw much light upon the means of bringing the soul to perfection.”
The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way, translated from the Russian by E. French (New York: Harper, 1965) 168-169.
The Way of a Pilgrim and The Pilgrim Continues His Way is another great book on the must read list: 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics. It’s the source of today’s post.
The relationship between Paul and Timothy in today’s Scripture mirrors the unnamed Russian Pilgrim and his interaction with the Fathers on his spiritual journey.
It reminds me of my journey with the ancients through Daily Meditations.
What insight from the Fathers struck you? Read their comments again, if necessary. For me, the counsel of the venerable Callistus stood out. It reminds me of the phrase, practice makes perfect.
Of course, in biblical terms, perfection means completeness or maturity. So, Callistus says, frequent and continuous prayer coupled with good works brings even the most broken person to maturity in their generosity.
Thank the LORD! That means there’s hope for all of us then.
Jesus help me, on this my 55th birthday to imitate your generosity. Through frequent and continuous prayer, help this humble pilgrim keep growing to maturity so my life brings you glory. Amen.