You bring silent requests before the Heavenly Father, and that is well, for He knows the secrets of the heart. Yet consider this: do we honor men more than God? It is a heavy charge, but I must ask, are these silent petitions accompanied by a life that flees from sin in deed? If the hands that fold in prayer are the same hands that cling to wickedness, then the silence itself becomes an accuser. The Father sees all, even the hidden things. Let your silence not be a cloak, but a true turning of the heart, for by your words, and indeed by your very thoughts, you shall either be condemned or acquitted.
A great struggle lies before every soul. This is why we are commanded to pray, not just in secret, but with perseverance, asking that we enter not into temptation. Our Lord did not give prayer as a mere form; He gave it as the pinnacle of all facility, the relief to our toils. He commanded us to ask, and pledged Himself to give. Yet He also commanded us to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. Consider the Father’s mercy: He feeds even adulterers, fornicators, and sorcerers. No one perishes of hunger unless by their own choice. If your silent requests include a plea for mercy, then let that mercy flow through you to another in need. Help the one in want. The honor you show God through deeds of charity touches you more than it reaches Him, for He needs nothing, but we need everything from Him.
Do not think that silent prayer excuses a life of wronging your neighbor in word or deed. The Pharisee spoke truth about what was manifest, yet paid the utmost penalty because his heart was a nest of pride. If your silent requests carry hidden envy, slander, or any unrepented sin, they become burdens laid upon your own self. Yet, if others reproach you for righteousness’ sake, bear it with joy, as the believers who took joyfully the spoiling of their goods. They saw Him who is invisible. That is genuine faith, proved by deeds. Let your silent petitions be lifted up with a memory of God that is continual and sincere, asking for great things, not ease and comfort only, but deliverance from the wolves of sin and strength in struggle. Lay every burden before Him, but lay also your sins, and walk in the light He gives.
