Come Closer – Prayer Transforms the Heart
With the Prayer Tradition of Mount Athos
What is Prayer?
Introduction – The Spiritual Atmosphere of Mount Athos
On Mount Athos, the monks describe prayer as “the light that rises inside the heart.” Before dawn, as the sea rests in silence and the monastery bells echo across the cliffs, they begin the ancient prayer that has shaped Orthodox spirituality for centuries:
“Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλέησόν με.”
English translation: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”
This prayer—known as the Jesus Prayer—is the heartbeat of Athonite life. It is simple, short, humble, and filled with divine grace. It is repeated quietly with the breath until it becomes the constant prayer of the heart.
ORTHODOX SERMON
“Come Closer – Prayer Transforms the Heart”
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Prayer is not merely a spiritual practice or a religious routine. Prayer is the living bridge between humanity and God. It is the sacred space where the soul encounters its Creator. Prayer is not part of Christian life—prayer is the heart of Christian life.
God’s Invitation to Every Soul
Scripture declares:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
This is not a command of duty but a call of love. God invites us to prayer not because He needs information from us, but because He desires to transform us.
On Mount Athos, the monks often begin prayer by softly whispering:
“Εὐλόγησον, Κύριε.”
English translation: “Bless me, Lord.”
This gentle cry opens the heart to God.
Jesus – Our Perfect Example of Prayer
Even Jesus Christ—the Son of God—rooted His earthly life in prayer.
-
He prayed before great decisions (Luke 6:12–13)
-
He prayed early, before sunrise (Mark 1:35)
-
He withdrew to quiet places (Luke 5:16)
-
In Gethsemane He prayed with deep anguish (Matthew 26:36–39)
If the Lord Himself prayed continually,
how much more do we need prayer!
What Is Prayer? More Than Words
Prayer is not only speaking to God.
Prayer is listening to God.
Prayer is not only seeking.
Prayer is finding.
Prayer is not only reaching upward.
Prayer is allowing God to reach inward.
Athonite monks say:
“When prayer enters the heart, the heart enters God.”
Deep Prayer: Surrender, Gratitude, Trust
True prayer is more than reciting words. It becomes a living attitude of the heart:
Surrender
“Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Gratitude
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Trust
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22)
The Transforming Work of Prayer
Prayer works deeply within the believer:
1. Cleansing the Heart
“Search me, O God… and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23–24)
2. Bringing Peace
“The peace of God… will guard your hearts.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
3. Opening Spiritual Vision
“Your word is a lamp to my feet.” (Psalm 119:105)
4. Transforming Relationships
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
5. Strengthening in Temptation
“Watch and pray.” (Matthew 26:41)
Greek Orthodox Prayer Expressions
Below are some central prayers of the Greek Orthodox tradition, each with its English translation:
1. “Κύριε, ἐλέησον.”
English translation: “Lord, have mercy.”
2. “Βοήθει μοι, Κύριε.”
English translation: “Help me, Lord.”
3. “Εὐλόγησον.”
English translation: “Bless me.”
4. “Δόξα σοι, ὁ Θεός.”
English translation: “Glory to You, O God.”
These short prayers have been repeated for centuries in the Orthodox world. They carry deep grace because they come from humility.
DEVOTIONAL – “The Inner Place Where God Waits”
Find a quiet moment today.
Let the soul become still.
Say softly:
“Εὐλόγησον, Κύριε.”
English translation: “Bless me, Lord.”
And then:
“Δόξα σοι, ὁ Θεός.”
English translation: “Glory to You, O God.”
Let these ancient words become your breath.
Let prayer today become:
-
Your surrender
-
Your gratitude
-
Your trust
-
Your peace
Let God speak to the deepest places of your heart.
A Life of Prayer: Practical Steps
-
Keep a consistent prayer time.
-
Create a small prayer corner, even with an icon or a candle.
-
Read Scripture slowly, prayerfully.
-
Use the Jesus Prayer during the day:
“Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλέησόν με.”
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” -
Keep a prayer journal.
-
Pray for people who come to mind.
-
Pray with others—Christ is present among the gathered faithful.
The Heart Transformed in God’s Presence
Saint Augustine wrote:
“Prayer is the breathing of the soul.”
When the soul breathes God’s air:
-
fear dissolves
-
heaviness lifts
-
confusion becomes clarity
-
peace fills the heart
And when the heart is changed,
the whole world becomes brighter.
Final Invitation
The Lord says again:
“Draw near to God.”
And with every step you take toward Him,
you will discover that He has already taken many steps toward you.
Amen.