When I'm out on a run and get surprised by a dead animal, I hold my breath, even if it means I may pass out. Nasty.Think about someone you're angry with. I may think I'm exercising my "right" to stay angry, but all the while I'm desperately holding onto something in my mind that's rotten and foul. St. Maximus the Confessor advises, "Do not befoul your intellect by clinging to thoughts filled with anger and sensual desire. Otherwise you will lose your capacity for pure prayer."(1)
Could anger be the reason we don't reap the benefits of prayer. Could it be why we don't pray more regularly?
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(1) St. Maximos the Confessor, Four Centuries on Love
(1) St. Maximos the Confessor, Four Centuries on Love
2 comments:
I actually find it easier to pray when I'm angry with something or someone. I'd even go as far as to say I am more moved towards prayer in such a situation. It helps get me over it most of the time. :)
But, this is an interesting point, definitely. Thanks Naddy...
Magik,
I see your point and I'll discuss the proper place of anger in an up-coming post.
I'll say for now that St. Maximus meant HOLDING on to anger and not, as your good goal is "to get over it." Being angry for a time is one thing, but holding on to it, will cloud and "befoul" your mind, thus making hard to reach the LIFE of prayer.
Think of the words of the song by Creed:
"I know I can't hold the hate inside my mind, cause what consumes your thoughts, controls your life."
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