Becoming a Community of Disciples

Chapter 7: Spiritual Teachings – Prayer

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Focused Mind (RBas §109) Q: Is it possible for a human being to ensure that always and everywhere his mind does not wander, and how can this be done? R: 1 That it is possible he shows us who said: My eyes are always on the Lord (Ps 24:15) and again: I kept the Lord always in view before me; since he is at my right hand I shall not be shaken (Ps 15:8). 2 How it may be possible we have already said: that is, if we allow no idleness to the soul, but at all times think on God and his works and benefits and gifts 3 and ponder these things in our mind with confession and thanksgiving as it is written (cf. Ps 33:1; 1 Tim 2:1). SingingWisely Q: What is it to sing psalms wisely (Ps 46:7 LXX)? R: 1 Just as with all floods, the flavor of each is discerned through taste, so also are prudence and discernment with the words of Holy Scripture. 2 For the throat , it says, tastes food, but the sense discerns words (cf. Job 12:11; 34:3 LXX). 3 Therefore if one’s soul is intent on each word of the psalms, as taste is intent on distinguishing the flavor of foods, such a one fulfills that which is said: sing psalms wisely (Ps 46:7).