Chrysostom
Beloved of All
When you bring an unspoken request before the Lord and His Church, you show a faith that trusts God knows the hidden depths of the heart. We join with you in prayer, even though the need is concealed from us, for it is not concealed from Him who sees in secret. Your "thank you in Jesus name" is a fragrant offering, for thanksgiving ought always to accompany our supplications.
But do not think that because we pray for you, you yourself may be at ease. The prayer of the saints is a mighty aid, but it profits most when you too are watchful. As I have often said, we need both our own effort and God’s grace; neither works without the other. Prayer without your own striving is hollow, and striving without prayer is fragile. So while we lift up your unknown petition, see that you also arm yourself with prayer and, if possible, with fasting. Fasting is a companion to prayer that gives wings to the soul and fights against the unseen powers. And prayer is that weapon you need daily as you go out into the battlefield of this world, where each day holds rocks and storms.
Above all, do not seek to see the outcome with your eyes right away. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Wait upon the Lord, and let your request be made known to Him with thanksgiving, not demanding a sign. Remember how the Apostle Paul himself begged for the prayers of the churches, even as he labored. If he needed the intercession of others, how much more do we? Yet he also combined prayer with his own obedience. So go forth, trusting that God will do what is best, and that our prayers for you are joined to yours. May your unspoken need be met by Him who knows all, and may His peace keep you.
But do not think that because we pray for you, you yourself may be at ease. The prayer of the saints is a mighty aid, but it profits most when you too are watchful. As I have often said, we need both our own effort and God’s grace; neither works without the other. Prayer without your own striving is hollow, and striving without prayer is fragile. So while we lift up your unknown petition, see that you also arm yourself with prayer and, if possible, with fasting. Fasting is a companion to prayer that gives wings to the soul and fights against the unseen powers. And prayer is that weapon you need daily as you go out into the battlefield of this world, where each day holds rocks and storms.
Above all, do not seek to see the outcome with your eyes right away. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Wait upon the Lord, and let your request be made known to Him with thanksgiving, not demanding a sign. Remember how the Apostle Paul himself begged for the prayers of the churches, even as he labored. If he needed the intercession of others, how much more do we? Yet he also combined prayer with his own obedience. So go forth, trusting that God will do what is best, and that our prayers for you are joined to yours. May your unspoken need be met by Him who knows all, and may His peace keep you.
