Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You thank God for His grace, and rightly so. For where grace is, works are not; where works, it is no more grace. If it be grace, why be high-minded? What you have, remission of sins, cleansing, the gift of the Spirit, came freely from above. See that you do not do despite to this gift. Grace is with you if you draw it by good deeds; if you become indolent, it flies away and leaves you desolate. The cause of all good things is the continual abiding of that grace, guiding you to all that pleases God.
You present silent requests. The heavenly Father knows the secrets of your heart; no word is hidden from Him. But now let me ask: do you honor Him by works and deeds? He needs not our honor, but we need His, and He looks for a life that mirrors His mercy. Be merciful as your Father is merciful. He feeds even the wicked; no one perishes of hunger unless by his own choice. If one is in need, help him. Such fruit shows that your faith is not mere words, but power.
We need both prayer and our own part, as the apostle shows: giving thanks for obedience, yet still praying. Do not think grace excuses you from the fight. If you have been freed from the greater ills by grace alone, much more must you now, as a friend and laborer, contribute your share. Let your requests be joined with vigilance. Death is trodden under foot, the devil fallen, sin’s law extinguished; the heavy burdens are abridged. If you are watchful, these things are not so difficult.
I will not pry into your silent petitions, but I urge you: if you have anything in your life contrary to the sound teaching, any friendship or bond that defies the pattern of Christ and His Church, flee from it. You cannot honor God in prayer while your deeds dishonor Him. For we honor men more than God when we fear words but not facts. It is by our deeds we lay burdens on ourselves, not by hearing reproof. So approach the throne with confidence, but with a heart cleansed and hands that do mercy. That is the greatest weapon, the tower unshaken.
Commit your way to the Lord. He who feeds all will not neglect you. Let your silent requests be laid before Him, but also commit yourself to walk worthy of the calling. Grace be with you. Amen.
You present silent requests. The heavenly Father knows the secrets of your heart; no word is hidden from Him. But now let me ask: do you honor Him by works and deeds? He needs not our honor, but we need His, and He looks for a life that mirrors His mercy. Be merciful as your Father is merciful. He feeds even the wicked; no one perishes of hunger unless by his own choice. If one is in need, help him. Such fruit shows that your faith is not mere words, but power.
We need both prayer and our own part, as the apostle shows: giving thanks for obedience, yet still praying. Do not think grace excuses you from the fight. If you have been freed from the greater ills by grace alone, much more must you now, as a friend and laborer, contribute your share. Let your requests be joined with vigilance. Death is trodden under foot, the devil fallen, sin’s law extinguished; the heavy burdens are abridged. If you are watchful, these things are not so difficult.
I will not pry into your silent petitions, but I urge you: if you have anything in your life contrary to the sound teaching, any friendship or bond that defies the pattern of Christ and His Church, flee from it. You cannot honor God in prayer while your deeds dishonor Him. For we honor men more than God when we fear words but not facts. It is by our deeds we lay burdens on ourselves, not by hearing reproof. So approach the throne with confidence, but with a heart cleansed and hands that do mercy. That is the greatest weapon, the tower unshaken.
Commit your way to the Lord. He who feeds all will not neglect you. Let your silent requests be laid before Him, but also commit yourself to walk worthy of the calling. Grace be with you. Amen.
