Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You do well to bring even silent requests before the Father, for He who sees in secret hears the heart's unuttered cry. But take heed: let not your silence be the hiding place of shame. We have renounced the hidden things of shame, saith the Apostle, and our prayers must be offered with a transparent soul. If there be any secret sin cherished within, bring it first into the light before God with tears, that your requests be not hindered.
God's mercy is beyond measure: He feeds even the fornicator and the sorcerer, He clothes all, and no one perishes of hunger save by their own choice. Imitate this mercy in your own life, for to the merciful He shows mercy. Your prayer of thanks is fitting, for every good gift comes from Him: He created you when you were not, He breathed a living soul into you, He crowned you with glory and honor. Let your thanks rise not from the lips alone but from a life that honors Him in deeds, for we need His honor far more than He needs ours.
And when the weight of silent anxieties presses down, remember that Christ ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God through Him. He saves to the uttermost, not for a day only but continually, for He dies no more. Cast every care upon Him, yet do not think that prayer stands apart from the yoke of virtue. The yoke of sin is heavy beyond all words: it brings fear and despondency and ceaseless disturbance, like a sea that never rests. But Christ's yoke is sweet and His burden light. Flee from covetousness, from slander even when it speaks truth, from all hidden works of darkness, and you will find your silent requests answered not by words only, but by the peace that passes understanding.
God's mercy is beyond measure: He feeds even the fornicator and the sorcerer, He clothes all, and no one perishes of hunger save by their own choice. Imitate this mercy in your own life, for to the merciful He shows mercy. Your prayer of thanks is fitting, for every good gift comes from Him: He created you when you were not, He breathed a living soul into you, He crowned you with glory and honor. Let your thanks rise not from the lips alone but from a life that honors Him in deeds, for we need His honor far more than He needs ours.
And when the weight of silent anxieties presses down, remember that Christ ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God through Him. He saves to the uttermost, not for a day only but continually, for He dies no more. Cast every care upon Him, yet do not think that prayer stands apart from the yoke of virtue. The yoke of sin is heavy beyond all words: it brings fear and despondency and ceaseless disturbance, like a sea that never rests. But Christ's yoke is sweet and His burden light. Flee from covetousness, from slander even when it speaks truth, from all hidden works of darkness, and you will find your silent requests answered not by words only, but by the peace that passes understanding.
