You know, the Orthodox mindset is different. When we "pray" we ask for mercy. When the priest sings "Let us pray" the people respond "Lord have mercy" or "Grant it O Lord." In Orthodoxy, prayers involve giving thanks and asking for mercy. In either case we expect results.
We hope our prayers are pure enough for God to hear them and we expect that despite our sinful ways God will be merciful with our repentant hearts. It's work, alright, it's actually beggings either bowed down or kneeling.
Not as different as you might think.
When we "pray" we ask for mercy.
Trust me, a good share of my prayers are asking for same. He may have it all under control, but that doesn't mean that we've been clued in. Since my cancer was diagnosed, I've asked Him to take me gently if that is His will, but if I must suffer & He wants to use me, I ask Him to give me strength to withstand the test.
When the priest sings "Let us pray" the people respond "Lord have mercy" or "Grant it O Lord." In Orthodoxy, prayers involve giving thanks and asking for mercy. In either case we expect results.
Thy will be done. ;o)
We hope our prayers are pure enough for God to hear them
I don't think that there is anything that I can do that will make me pure enough to be deserving without His help.
and we expect that despite our sinful ways God will be merciful with our repentant hearts.
Do you think that people bring all of their suffering on to themselves, always? Is it about what happens to us or is it about our ability to handle what happens to us?
It's work, alright, it's actually beggings either bowed down or kneeling.
I've done plenty of that too. Like I said, He may have it all under control, but that doesn't mean that we've been clued in. Father, I feel lost & alone, I need Your comfort. Oh yeah, I beg, oft times while sobbing.
I start thinking that I have free will, that I'm in control, bad stuff happens. I have to say though, I have also been truly blessed & have much to be thankful about.