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Prayer: Encounter with the Living God
In this deceptively simple set of talks, Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev explains with grace and clarity the Orthodox understanding of prayer. Beginning with conception of prayer as creating a space of encounter with God, we are guided through the Orthodox ethos of prayer and its irreplaceable role in our Christian lives.
With his usual lucidity, Metropolitan Hilarion reminds us of what lies at the very heart of prayer to the Living God:
“God does not need words; He needs men’s hearts. Words are secondary; of paramount importance are the feeling and disposition with which we approach God.”
The thirty-two part series on prayer was transcribed and translated from television episodes presented on Russian television in the spring of 1999 by Igumen (now Metropolitan) Hilarion (Alfeyev) with the blessing of His Holiness, the late Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow and All Russia.
With his usual lucidity, Metropolitan Hilarion reminds us of what lies at the very heart of prayer to the Living God:
“God does not need words; He needs men’s hearts. Words are secondary; of paramount importance are the feeling and disposition with which we approach God.”
The thirty-two part series on prayer was transcribed and translated from television episodes presented on Russian television in the spring of 1999 by Igumen (now Metropolitan) Hilarion (Alfeyev) with the blessing of His Holiness, the late Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow and All Russia.
135 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 4, 2020
An extremely sweet and simple summation of the life of prayer. It is a great introduction for beginners and a great reminder for those of us who falsely no longer feel like beginners.
January 25, 2022
A good, to-the-point book about praying and it’s impact upon the Christian. It is specifically Written for Orthodox Christians, but I think Catholics would understand and find it useful and fulfilling as well.
February 11, 2020
This small book is based on a series of interviews during 1966. As such, Metropolitan Hilarion addresses issues with prayer with regard to the militant atheist persecutions. His point is to help a population that has suffered a great deal of persecution and denial of spiritual development during the Communist / Atheist period.
It may also have value to those recovering from the other side of the coin, the velvet glove of militant Capitalism encasing an iron fist.
The important thing is to pray from the heart. A prayer rule is a great discipline, but not everyone can manage. The important thing is to pray from the heart, to forgive all to the greatest extent you are capable, and to reach out to God in spirit and truth.
It may also have value to those recovering from the other side of the coin, the velvet glove of militant Capitalism encasing an iron fist.
The important thing is to pray from the heart. A prayer rule is a great discipline, but not everyone can manage. The important thing is to pray from the heart, to forgive all to the greatest extent you are capable, and to reach out to God in spirit and truth.
January 6, 2026
Simple but profound introduction to prayer as a way of living, with special emphasis on the Jesus Prayer and the Lord's Prayer.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews