PRAYER REQUIRES DISCIPLINE
In church, during prayer, we should be focused and block out any distraction. Sometimes it is difficult to do this. Sometimes, we welcome distractions and unwittingly allow the devil entry into our prayer life, into our hearts. The following is St. Ephraim’s counsel, and notice, he is speaking about prayer in Church on Sunday.
“On the appointed day for prayer [Sunday, the Lord’s Day], do not allow that prayer to be disturbed. Also, don’t leave Church to go outside and talk or argue! And should someone come along to chat or gossip with you, be wise: tell him or her to be quiet, saying, ‘today we are supposed to be in prayer and we must do what our Church requires.’ Prayer and arguments have nothing in common. It is strange that we should mix the two.”
It is striking to me that even back then, back in the fourth century, folks were guilty of arguing and gossiping in church, the last place this should happen, and thus disrupting their prayer life. It seems not much has changed, but it does not have to be so with us.
Our human nature is created in the image and likeness of God and we are called to achieve theosis – to sanctification. Engaging in that which distracts us from prayer especially at the “appointed time” while in church will destroy that effort. If you find yourself starting to argue, walk away. If you find yourself chatting, gossiping, or distracted by others, by their dress or demeanor; block it out! Should we not be in the church to come together for prayer, part of which is to ask God to help us overcome our “fallen human nature” and restore us to His image and likeness.
Let us instead create a holy atmosphere, a place where people can come, pray, meditate, feel comfortable, and find solace in God. When we allow that place of peace and prayer to be disrupted, we work for the adversary. However, when we are part of a community focused on corporate prayer—meaning all together and undistracted—we create a spiritual environment that is warm and inviting to others. It is not just the sanctuary that creates the spiritual atmosphere. No, more so it is the people.
So think of it this way, when we pray in Church, we are in fact inviting others to a relationship with God.