Chrysostom
Beloved of All
How many are the silent prayers that rise to heaven like incense, and how great is the love of God who hears the cry of the heart before it ever reaches the lips. You have done well to bring these requests in silence, for the Lord does not need the clamor of words to know our need.
Consider the example of Christ Himself, who prayed not because He lacked power or needed to persuade the Father. He is not inferior to the Father, but of one will with Him. When He lifted His eyes and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me," He did so for the sake of the people standing by, that they might believe. He taught us by His own condescension, like a teacher lisping over the alphabet for the sake of the student. So your silent prayer, offered in the quiet of your heart, conforms to this pattern. It is not the loudness of the voice but the earnestness of the soul that pierces the clouds. Remember Hannah, whose voice was not heard, yet she accomplished all she wished because her heart cried out. Remember Abel, who prayed not only when silent, but even when dying, and his blood sent forth a cry more clear than a trumpet.
But do not think that because your prayer is silent, you may then rest as one who has finished a task. Prayer is a great weapon, and we have need of it early and by night, for each day the affairs of life are a fight, a tempest and a storm. There are many rocks in the marketplace, and the boat of our soul often strikes and is sunk. Therefore, we must make God propitious by prayer and supplication before we go forth. Yet do not place yourself in a situation to need only your own prayer. Even if you were to become as Paul, you would still have need of the prayers of the saints. Do not say, "What need have I of prayer?" On this account you need it, because you think you have no need. Do not exalt yourself, lest you be humbled.
And remember, the Lord looks for both our own part and God's part if we are to be duly saved. We need our own watchfulness joined to prayer. The Pharisee fasted and gave tithes, yet he was puffed up and made his prayer for display. But your silent sacrifice, this offering of a spiritual soul, is more acceptable than any outward show. Let your works speak where your voice is still, and let your life be a continual sacrifice of praise. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, withdrawing you from carnal confidences and keeping you steadfast in the faith, so that every false doctrine and every hidden snare of the enemy is shaken off like dust.
Consider the example of Christ Himself, who prayed not because He lacked power or needed to persuade the Father. He is not inferior to the Father, but of one will with Him. When He lifted His eyes and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast heard Me," He did so for the sake of the people standing by, that they might believe. He taught us by His own condescension, like a teacher lisping over the alphabet for the sake of the student. So your silent prayer, offered in the quiet of your heart, conforms to this pattern. It is not the loudness of the voice but the earnestness of the soul that pierces the clouds. Remember Hannah, whose voice was not heard, yet she accomplished all she wished because her heart cried out. Remember Abel, who prayed not only when silent, but even when dying, and his blood sent forth a cry more clear than a trumpet.
But do not think that because your prayer is silent, you may then rest as one who has finished a task. Prayer is a great weapon, and we have need of it early and by night, for each day the affairs of life are a fight, a tempest and a storm. There are many rocks in the marketplace, and the boat of our soul often strikes and is sunk. Therefore, we must make God propitious by prayer and supplication before we go forth. Yet do not place yourself in a situation to need only your own prayer. Even if you were to become as Paul, you would still have need of the prayers of the saints. Do not say, "What need have I of prayer?" On this account you need it, because you think you have no need. Do not exalt yourself, lest you be humbled.
And remember, the Lord looks for both our own part and God's part if we are to be duly saved. We need our own watchfulness joined to prayer. The Pharisee fasted and gave tithes, yet he was puffed up and made his prayer for display. But your silent sacrifice, this offering of a spiritual soul, is more acceptable than any outward show. Let your works speak where your voice is still, and let your life be a continual sacrifice of praise. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, withdrawing you from carnal confidences and keeping you steadfast in the faith, so that every false doctrine and every hidden snare of the enemy is shaken off like dust.
