Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
You have laid your silent requests before the heavenly Father, and that is well, for He who sees in secret and knows the hidden chambers of the heart requires no stream of words to understand your need. Yet consider this: a silent request is not silent to Him, but to men. And this is good, for we honor God not by the noise of our lips but by the sincerity of our soul. For He honors us not with mere words, but with deeds, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, even those whose lives are tangled in every wickedness. If He provides for the unworthy, will He not hear the quiet sigh of His child? Therefore, let your requests be not only silent before others, but humble within yourself, for the Pharisee spoke truth aloud and was condemned because of the pride in his heart.
But be mindful what you ask in that silence. When Christ seemed to refuse His mother’s request, saying, “Woman, what have I to do with thee?” He nonetheless did what she desired. His hour had not come, yet mercy forestalled the appointed time. So too, your silent petitions must be steeped in mercy, for we are commanded to be merciful as our heavenly Father is. Ask not only for your own relief, but in your silence remember all who suffer. The Apostle made mention of others always in his prayers, and this is the mark of genuine love, not simply to remember, but to do so continually, and to ask for great things for them. Let your silent requests thus become an unseen offering for the whole world.
And do not fear that your hidden petitions might be misdirected or weak. God willeth not the death of the sinner, but that all should turn and live. Even when He spoke in parables, it was to stir up the hearers, not to conceal salvation. So your silence, when offered with faith, is itself a cry that stirs the mercy of God. Yet if any should reproach you for your quiet devotion, bear it gladly, for such reproof makes your sins lighter and leads you into wisdom. As David said when Shimei cursed him, “Let him alone, for the Lord has bidden him.” The Lord will requite good for such cursing.
Go then, and offer your silent requests with confidence, but let your life be the loudest prayer. Honor Him by deeds, for this is the honor that touches you with blessing, though He needs nothing from us. In this way you will be numbered among those blessed ones who assist not only the saints but the very herald of the world, storing up a good reward for the day of visitation. Continue without ceasing, and the Father who sees in secret will answer you openly.
But be mindful what you ask in that silence. When Christ seemed to refuse His mother’s request, saying, “Woman, what have I to do with thee?” He nonetheless did what she desired. His hour had not come, yet mercy forestalled the appointed time. So too, your silent petitions must be steeped in mercy, for we are commanded to be merciful as our heavenly Father is. Ask not only for your own relief, but in your silence remember all who suffer. The Apostle made mention of others always in his prayers, and this is the mark of genuine love, not simply to remember, but to do so continually, and to ask for great things for them. Let your silent requests thus become an unseen offering for the whole world.
And do not fear that your hidden petitions might be misdirected or weak. God willeth not the death of the sinner, but that all should turn and live. Even when He spoke in parables, it was to stir up the hearers, not to conceal salvation. So your silence, when offered with faith, is itself a cry that stirs the mercy of God. Yet if any should reproach you for your quiet devotion, bear it gladly, for such reproof makes your sins lighter and leads you into wisdom. As David said when Shimei cursed him, “Let him alone, for the Lord has bidden him.” The Lord will requite good for such cursing.
Go then, and offer your silent requests with confidence, but let your life be the loudest prayer. Honor Him by deeds, for this is the honor that touches you with blessing, though He needs nothing from us. In this way you will be numbered among those blessed ones who assist not only the saints but the very herald of the world, storing up a good reward for the day of visitation. Continue without ceasing, and the Father who sees in secret will answer you openly.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
