WHAT HAPPENED FROM THE CROSS TO THE THRONE (PART 1) - THE CROSS

THE GOSPEL 
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 It is paramount for the Christian to know and understand what is the Gospel. For we have warnings that there will be those who "pervert the gospel of Christ"(Gal 1:7) and that teachers will come along to corrupt our minds with a different kind of gospel(2 Cor. 11:3,4).

                                           THE CRUCIFIXION
Philippians 2:5-8 Our salvation in Christ begins with His incarnation. God manifests Himself to us in soul, body, and divinity, so that, as God, He could deliver us, soul and body, from death. He partakes of our nature and becomes man, in order to deliver us from the power of sin and death, creating the path for us to have His image restored in us, and also, to make the flesh immortal.

Hebrews 2:9,14,15 Jesus took on the human  nature, yet without sin, so that He could deliver us from a slavery of anxiety and distress over the possibility of dying and being deprived of the present life and then being subject to the sufferings of condemnation after death. Salvation is not only a forgiveness of  the sinner; it is not only a reconciliation of God with him. Salvation is the very removal, abolition and disappearance of sin; it is the deliverance of man from sin and death. Salvation was fulfilled upon the Cross, by the blood of the Cross(Col. 1:20; Acts 20:28; Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7). Not only with the Passion(Suffering) on the Cross, but with the death upon the Cross. This is how death was abolished, and defeated comlpetely. Death destroyed by death!!!

2 Corinthians 5:21 The death of Christ makes possible a new creation(2 Cor. 5:17); His death reconciles us, canceling out our sins, making it possible for us to live free of sin's power and to no longer live for ourselves, but instead, be motivated by the love of Christ(2 Cor. 5:14,15). A great transaction is possible! The distorted image in us can be healed and restored. A miraculous transformation is possible! We can become righteous with divine virtues - in Him!!!

Galatians 3:13,14 From the moment of Adam's sin God joined Himself to man's plight, promising that the seed "of the woman" would crush Satan's head. This is the Virgin-born Messiah who was later called Abraham's seed.

John 3:1-14 Nicodemus had questions. Jesus had mystical  answers. How does one see the kingdom of God? Be born from above! How does one enter the kingdom of God? Be born of water and the Spirit! How can these things be? The Son of Man comes down to earth from heaven to be lifted up on a Cross even as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness.





1 Peter 2:24 Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53 in His life, and in His death on the Cross. In His life he healed the diseases of many, which was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53(Matthew 8:16,17). In His death upon the Cross He bore our sins, and by His stripes we were healed(Isaiah 53:4,5).

WHAT HAPPENED FROM THE CROSS TO THE THRONE PART 2 - CHRIST'S DESCENT INTO HADES

CHRIST'S DESCENT INTO HADES
Luke 16:19-31 At death the soul and the body separate > The body sleeps in the grave, the soul is awake in its place  - Here we see the reality of the departed, one in Paradise, the other in torment.  > Christ slept the sleep of death!!! > Christ's promise to the thief on the cross!

Matthew 12:38-40 Jesus Himself foretold of His descent into Hades. Jonah was a type of Christ, foreshadowing the sojourn of Jesus into Hades. Jesus descended as a Conquerer through the Cross, not as a victim!!! (Jonah 1:17-2:10)

Ephesians 4:9,10 St Paul reveals the mystery of what was happening with Christ between "the Cross and the Throne". There was 40 days between the Resurrection of Christ, where he raised up the Old Testament Saints from the graves(Matthew 27:52,53), and the Ascension of Christ where he ascended on high taking the saints with Him. Acts 1:2,3

                   Sts. Peter and Paul Proclaim the Gospel
Acts 2:22-32 St Peter's sermon on Pentecost Sunday reveals that Christ fulfilled the Old Testament Messianic prophecies. Jesus divine body did not, could not, see corruption(Acts 13:37). And Jesus soul could not, was not, left in Hades(Psalm 16:10) The Lord's body would undo the laws of corruption and would prove death powerless.

1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:5,6 Upon His death on the Cross the soul of Christ went immediately to the souls held in prison in Hades, and He preached to them the gospel of salvation.



Easter Hymn > "Lord, you descended into the lower parts of the earth, into the grave, to preach there your salutary gospel. There, as a powerful and omnipotent king, you crushed and broke the bonds of death and Hades that had kept in bondage for ages the souls of those who were dead. But after three days you rose from the grave, just as Jonah had come out of the belly of the whale in three days".

THE CHURCH - WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE THE CHURCH >
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 > The body is one yet has many members(verse 12), so it is with the "body of Christ", and we are members in particular(verse 27), and yet, we are also members of one another. We are members in particular, not rugged individualists. We are members of the church, the body of Christ.  We maintain a unique identity known to only the Lord, yet we have a communal identity simultaneously.  "We being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread"(1 Cor. 10:17). Holy Communion expresses our oneness, both with Christ, and with one another(1 Cor. 10:16,17; 1 Cor. 11:17-34)

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER >
Christ's Household is governed by His commands > His ultimate  command is to "love one another as I have loved you"(John 13:34,35) > St Peter says, "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently"(1 Peter 1:22) - there is to be no fakery or pretend love, only sincere love > Hebrews 10:24,25 - "consider one another"  ..."exhorting one another", never forsaking the gathering together for the express purposes of 1)the Apostles Doctrine, 2)fellowship(koinonia-Greek), 3)breaking of "the" bread(Greek), 4)"the" Prayers(Greek)(Acts 2:42) > Help and healing comes through our relationships with one another > Galatians 6:1-5 - "bear one anothers burdens" and so fulfil the law of Christ"(verse 2) - Are you obeying the law? The law of Christ? > Are you restoring your brother or sister who is overtaken in a fault? And if so, are you restoring them without judging them in a spirit of meekness >
Colossians 3:12-14 - "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another...even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" - Put on "bowels of mercy" - have a heart of compassion, feel, from deep in your guts, an empathy for the suffering - Put on kindness - Put on Humbleness of mind - Put on meekness - Put on longsuffering - "And above all these virtues, put on charity/love, which binds them all together in perfect unity"(NIV) > Ephesians 4:29-32 - "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you" - Note that the emphasis on "one another" is to communicate our "oneness" with each other, that we
are the "the church, the body of Christ" - always minister grace, always speak words that edify your brother and sister, lay aside all the dark feelings of anger, and bitterness, and evil speaking, and malice > Philippians 2:1-8 - We are to imitate Christ's humility - we are to share the encouragement that we experience in Christ with others - the comfort of his love we experience, and the sweet fellowship of the Spirit that we experience, and the tenderness and compassion we experience in the Lord - these are the things we can share with others + "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain deceit" - "Always consider others better than yourselves", "Always be looking out for the interests of others as well as your own" >

NOTE: Philippians 2:5-11 is a hymn that was sung in the early church - St Paul here is quoting from the hymns of the church - Ephesians 5:14 is an early baptismal hymn - 1 Timothy 3:16 is an ancient Christian creed or hymn, as is 2 Timothy 2:11-13;             1 Timothy 6:15,16; Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 1:15-20 >

Romans 14:1,10-13 - "Let us not judge one another".

Romans 15:1-7 - "be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" - "receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" - "bear the infirmities of the weak" - "Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification" > Luke 22:31,32 - Note how Jesus prayed for St Peter and then what St Peter wrote years later - 1 Peter 5:8-10.

James 2:1,14-18 - Meet one anothers needs > John 3:16-18 - Lay down your lives for one another starting with the basic necessities

James 5:13-20 - "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed..." (verse 16) - Convert the erring brother - "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep, Be of the same mind one toward another" (Romans 12:15,16).

THE GREAT MYSTERY REVEALED TO THE EPHESIANS - THE CHURCH, THE BODY OF CHRIST

God's plan from eternity was that in Christ Jesus he would "make in himself of twain(Jews and Gentiles) one new man...that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, slaying the hostility that was between them"(Eph. 2:13-18) and thus build the household of God(Eph. 2:19-22), the Church, which is His Body, which is the fulness of Him that fills all in all(Eph. 1:23), "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord"(NIV, Eph. 3:10,11). It was God's plan to save us(Eph 2:8,9) so that we would be a part of His eternal plan of grace which He will reveal to us throughout the ages to come(Eph. 2:7); This Mystery, has been revealed to us(Eph. 3:1-6), St Paul preached, "among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. We have redemption, forgiveness of sins(Eph. 1:7); we have an inheritance(Eph. 1:11); we are sealed by the Holy Spirit(Eph. 1:13); we have promise of future bodily redemption(Eph. 1:14); we have been blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ(Eph.1:3); "There is one body!!!, and one Spirit!!!...one hope!!!...One Lord!!!, one faith!!!, one baptism!!!, One God and Father of all!!!"(Eph 4:1-6). God gave gifts to the Church "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ(Eph. 4:8-14). God chose a committed and Godly marriage as a picture of the relationship between Christ and His body, the Church(Eph.5:22-33); the Church is the very flesh of Christ, "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones"(Eph. 5:30); "THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY: but I speak concerning CHRIST AND THE CHURCH(Eph.5:32).

NOTE: Had the princes of this world known what the Mystery was they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory(1 Corinthians 2:6-8). "But we see Jesus, made a little lower than the angels by the suffering of death...bringing many sons unto glory"(Hebrews 2:9,10). St Paul was "made a minister, to fulfil the Word of God; even the mystery which has been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory"(Colossians 1:25-27). "Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."(Romans 16:25-27)

MARRIAGE AND VIRGINITY

As Taught By the Gnostic Sects of the First Four Centuries

Of The Church and the Answer of the Holy Scriptures
 

    Among the Gnostic heretics and sects of the first four centuries, after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, was a wide range of false teachings about ‘Marriage and Virginity’. These teachings were completely non-Christian, and contrary to the revealed truth of God about these topics as recorded in Holy Scripture. The one extreme, ‘excessive asceticism’, was championed by Tatian, Marcion, and Saturnius. These heretics actually called marriage ‘fornication’. No Marcionite was permitted to marry because to marry and procreate was to participate in the evil work of the demiurge (the heavenly beings responsible for the created world). The other extreme was to be ‘openly licentious’. Two sects that taught this view of ‘Marriage and Virginity’ were the Carpocratians and Borborites. Their views were rooted in popular Gnostic cosmology which taught that the created world was born out of the spiritual copulation between heavenly beings. Between the two extremes of ‘excessive Asceticism’ and ‘open licentiousness’ were the Gnostic heretics, Basilides, Valentius, and Isidore (Basilide’s son). These men taught that marriage was not sinful, but should be avoided by the fully mature believer. Monogamous marriage was acceptable, but the asceticism of the virginal life was belittled. Then, overlapping all these heretical sects were the Manichaean’s , a wildly successful sect that became a world religion. The founder, Mani, of Babylonia, was portrayed by the Manichaean missionaries as the ‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ to the Roman Empire; to India and Central Asia he was touted as the Buddha; and to China he was presented as the reincarnation of Lao Tzu. Concerning Marriage and Virginity, Mani taught that there were two types of Manichaean disciples: the elect, and the hearers. ‘The elect’ were forbidden to marry and to participate in sexual intercourse, because both the body and procreation were evil. ‘The hearers’ were permitted to marry, or have mistresses, and could have intercourse as long as they avoided procreation.

  

  As you can see, the religious world swirling around the Church was speaking to mankind’s basic instincts, and redefining marriage from the age-old norm of marriage that Jesus validated when he said, “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder" (Matthew 19:4-6). Then Jesus spoke to the disciples about the one alternative to married life when they asked him if "it is not good to marry". Jesus said, "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs ,which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.He that is able to receive it, let him receive it" (Matthew 19:10-12). Here Jesus gives us three classes of men who abstain from marriage: First, those men who were born without the inclination, or ability to be married; second, those men who were made eunuchs against their will, and therefore are incapable of having a marriage relationship; and thirdly, those men who choose to live celibate by the grace of God. St. Paul carries forward Jesus’s teaching on this “twofold grace” of ‘marriage and virginity’. The entire 7^th chapter of First Corinthians is dedicated to the two callings of ‘marriage and virginity’. The answer to all the false teachings of heretical sects, then and now, as well as detailed instruction concerning how Christians are to live either a married life in Christ, or the life of a virgin fully devoted to Christ are found here in the Scriptures. So read carefully Paul’s instruction that he was inspired to write in response to the Corinthian’s questions. In verse one Paul advocates for living a virginal life, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman”. But for those who cannot resist sexual impulses he says in verse two, “Let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband”. The remaining thirty eight verses expound on these two particular callings that a Christian must discern between or choose between. Once committed to marriage or virginity, “Let every man abide in the calling wherein he was called (verse 20).
    Finally, let us realize that the heresies that early Christians battled concerning 'marriage and virginity' are the same heresies that Christians must battle in the 21st century. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry..." (1 Timothy 4:1-3). We live in a time when marriage is defined according to doctrines of devils, and where living a virginal life is mocked as unnatural. Let us choose God's truth on the matter. Amen.

IS YOUR FAITH GROWING?

 Your faith can grow. God has given to every one of us “the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). Your faith is designed by God to grow, and to grow exceedingly. The Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:3 says, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet (fitting), because that your faith grows exceeding, and the charity (love) of every one of you all toward each other abounds”. Here we are shown this very fact of the spiritual life! You, who possess faith in God, and in his Son Jesus, have a faith given to you by God that should ever be growing stronger, and greater, and fuller and richer. Let us take note that Stephen the Deacon (Acts 6:5) was chosen for his ministry because he was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost”.  So our faith in God is measurable. We can have a faith that is a quarter full, half full, or like Stephen, completely full. And what is the primary way in which our faith may grow? It is by hearing the word of God. “For faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). 1 Peter 2:2 instructs us about our spiritual beginnings as newborn babes in Jesus, “…desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby”.  As we grow in our knowledge of God’s word, we become acquainted with his commands, and as we become doers of these words / commands, we increase in faith to overcome that which his word reveals to us is of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Note in the verse prior that we are to be, “laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes (1 Peter 2:1, 2a). Faith is for overcoming; overcoming these worldly ways that are a part of our old fallen nature, but which can be transfigured by the glory of the Holy Spirit through our obedience of faith. “For whosoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, EVEN OUR FAITH.” (1 John 5:4) Please note that the verses immediately before we have revealed to us this victorious faith life (the amazing fact that we who are born of God possess a world overcoming faith), we are taught that we who believe in Jesus are born of God, and that we in turn love him who has begotten us again, AND we love all those who are also born again through faith in Jesus. For, “we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments”. (1 John 5:1-3) This is what is meant by “the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith”. In the world we feel malice toward our neighbors; we use cunning and guile in our relationships; we play the hypocrite, wearing masks of deceit, thinking we fool our neighbors while we pretend to be someone other than who we really are; we envy what our neighbor possesses, coveting their house, their wife or husband, their belongings and wealth, all the while breaking the tenth commandment (read Exodus 20:17); and we speak evil of our neighbors. Living in victory means we live in victory over the lack of love for our brothers and sisters by keeping God’s commandments by faith. Our faith in Jesus, knowing his example, believing in his promises, fearing his commands, all of these truths, inspire overcoming faith. May we grow in faith as we grow in love as we come to know God’s Holy Word.

THE EXPECTATION OF THE NATIONS

I would like to introduce here that Jesus is the fulfilment of what is known as "THE EXPECTATION OF THE NATIONS". The idea that from the beginning, from the time of the "fall of Adam and Eve", all nations were awaiting the arrival of a "Redeemer God" coming in human form Who would teach the whole truth in order to obliterate evil, bring peace, make brothers of all nations, and bring the kingdom of heaven to the earth. This promise was an anchor of hope throughout the centuries. Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Jews, Chinese, Indians, Persians, Arabs, even the inhabitants of the New World; all had stories, myths, prophecies foreshadowing a God-Man appearing to deliver the world from evil, from the great serpent. Confucius, Plutarch, Zoroaster, Socrates, Maurikios, Pascal, and many wise people spoke of this tradition of the nations.

The Holy Scriptures declare, "When the fulness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ"(Gal. 4:4-7). God's Son, the Light of Light, broke into the darkness of this fallen world at the very perfect moment in human history. Jesus is this very "Truth" that all the nations were expecting.

Therefore, "THE CHRISTIAN FAITH is not a "religion" (except in the conventional everyday use of the word). It is the fulfillment of all religions in their search for divine truth and human meaning as inspired by God's law written on human hearts. In this understanding, God's Gospel in Jesus is the end of all religions as human constructions, however good and inevitable they are in their desire to deal with life's mysteries and to comprehend the ways of God (or the gods) and creatures in a demon-riddled, death-bound world." (Thomas Hopko).

THE RULE OF PRAYER

Prayer is a very, very, very important and expansive topic. My purpose with this post is to share with you what is "the rule of prayer". It is with the "rule of prayer" that the Christian begins to develop a "life of prayer". It is the "rule of prayer" that informs our life, our faith, and our deeper prayer life. Let us consider what prayer is.

Theophan the Recluse (19th c. Russian Bishop) said, "Prayer is the test of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right". My prayer is that we get "it" right. Orthodoxy means "right belief, right praise/prayer". Orthopraxis means "right practice". (These terms; Orthodoxy and orthopraxis are words of the Ancient Church, ie. the early church. I hope to introduce you to many terms that will bring illumination to the Scriptures). Prayer is many things; it is the "way to knowledge", the way to knowing God and knowing yourself. Prayer is communion with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Prayer is plunging into darkness where the light is. Prayer is drinking at the well of salvation. Prayer is worship. Prayer is confession; of our faith, and of our sins. Prayer is uniting our hearts to God. Prayer is the fusion of two actions - ours, and the Divine. Prayer is reciting the Psalms. Prayer is entering into the eternal Now, into the kingdom of God. Now, briefly, WHAT PRAYER IS
NOT > James 4:1-10 > Prayer is not for selfish purposes. Prayer is not meant to be a means to acquire self-centered pleasures. Prayer is not to be based on covetousness, desiring what others have (verses 2 & 3). To pray in this way is to be unfaithful to God, to make yourself the enemy of God (verse 4). It is a problem of pride (verse 6) that leads you to pray for things of this world for the sake of pleasures. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Prayer is submitting yourself to God which is how you resist the devil. Prayer is drawing near to God in humility, Prayer is for cleansing our hands. Prayer is for purifying our hearts. Prayer is for being cured of double-mindedness. Prayer is for tearful repentance. Prayer is for Humility, for opening your life to the eyesight of the Lord. And then, Glory be to God, God will lift you up(verse 10)!!!

Matthew 6:5-15 > HOW TO PRAY WHEN YOU PRAY(Luke 11:1-4) > Firstly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "you shall not be like the hypocrites."(verse 5) Hypocrites are play-actors who specialize in theatrical piety. They put on "the mask" of compassion, but are heartless; they put on "the mask" of humility, but are full of pride; they put on "the mask" of faith, but are clouds without water. > Secondly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, Pray to the Father..."(Verse 6) > "closet" in the Greek is tameion = inner, private, chamber, your secret chamber > Strong's Concordance says in a home in the Orient a "spot for retirement" > You shut yourself in and the world out > It's just you and God > Some would say this "closet/bed chamber you enter is in your heart > That, WHEN YOU PRAY, your mind descends into your heart, into "the secret place" > Thirdly, Jesus says, WHEN YOU PRAY, "do not use vain

repetitions as the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words" > The NIV says, "do not keep on babbling as the pagans do" > In the Greek, "vain" is "maten", which means "tentative manipulation", "to no purpose", "folly", the base Greek word gives the idea of handling or squeezing (Strongs Concordance) > So "vain" does not mean prayers cannot be repeated, "vain" has to do with pagan practices of manipulating the gods with babbling repetitions that will cajole the gods into action. > Repetition is not vain per se, and it is not repetition which Jesus condemns, but "vain repetitions" which he condemns > Fourthly, Jesus says, "After this manner therefore pray, Our Father..." > Jesus establishes that God is our Father(Romans 8:14-16) > When we pray we enter into communion with God the Father who is above the heavens, we enter into a heavenly dimension, and step into an eternal NOW(1 Timothy 1:17, Hebrews 11:1) > Hallowed/Holy is His name - God is revealed in His name(s) - Holy is that "thing" about God that means "transcendent perfection" that cannot be described in human language, or will ever be comprehended(verse 9) > We pray for His kingdom to be actualized in the here and now "by the Spirit" and for his kingdom to be revealed at His second coming > We pray for God's will(verse 10) > We pray for our "daily bread", but this bread is much more than the food we need
for the day - "daily" in the Greek is "epiousios" which intimates bread for "tomorrows" (Strongs), - "epiousios" literally means "above the essence" or "supersubstantial" - So the bread we are praying for is more than the food we eat today, but it is the bread for the eternal day of the kingdom of God - the Living Bread, Christ Himself(verse 11) > We pray for God's forgiveness of everyone including ourselves and we forgive everyone as well(verse 12) > We not only pray that we not yield to temptation, we pray that we be delivered from the evil one who is the temptor - KJV says "deliver us from evil", the NKJV and NIV says, "deliver us from the evil one".

*** "The Lord's Prayer shows the whole meaning of the life of man.", Archbishop Anthony Bloom

NOTE: The Lords Prayer is a prayer that we can pray daily, since Jesus said, "Give us this day our DAILY bread". We need the Living bread every day so we pray this prayer everyday. It is a beautiful repetition, not a vain repetition!!! This is what is meant by a "rule of prayer": that prayers written in scripture or prayers based upon scriptural truth are placed into a litany, ie., a list, so that we can recite them daily. We are to have  regular set times of prayer which we never skip - "in the evening and in the morning and at noon day" (Psalm 55:17). Once we recite these prayers long enough they will be lodged in our memories. These "written" or "said" prayers will form Christ and His truth in us as well as inform our extemporaneous prayers. Then in between these set times of prayer we "remain constant in prayer"(Romans 12:12) and "pray without ceasing"(1 Thessalonians 5:17). > Each person should have their own rule of prayer, it should be brief and regular, It could be a 3-minute prayer rule, 5-minute, or 10-minute. Start slowly and add to your prayers as you grow accustomed to the habit of prayer. You can use the time-tested prayers of the ancient Church or create your own litany from prayers you may know or from scripture. I will provide some web links below with prayers > The idea is to start and do your best and if you fall short just get back up and start again > It's all about his mercy and not our performance > Also, it can be helpful to find a spiritual guide to help answer questions and provide direction.

***I use prayers from the Ancient Church Prayer books, but I have also created a few prayers of my own which are meaningful to me. Ideally you would have a "closet", a "room", a "space" set aside in your home for a "prayer corner". You could have a Wall-Cross, icons, Your Bible, candles, etc, items that will transform the space into Holy ground!!! Besides your "rule of prayer" at home, you should strive to live in a spirit of unceasing prayer, often saying or singing a prayer that comes to mind or praying intercessory prayers for people who come to mind. 

                                   A Rule of Prayer

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Blessed be our God always, now and forever and unto ages of ages.

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, O Lord, and I shall be saved.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (Repeat 3 times while crossing yourself)

O Heavenly Father, forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, and enlighten my darkness.
O Holy Spirit, Comforter, Teach us your truth, and lead us into paths of righteousness.
O Holy God, Holy Trinity, Come and abide in us and heal all our infirmities for thy Names Sake.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O Lord, by thy grace.

I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten and not made, of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made, who for us men and our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man and was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God Almighty, and He shall come again to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets, and I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge One baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come, Amen.

Remember us O Lord when you come into your kingdom:

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in spirit for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
You are the salt of the earth.
You are the Light of the world.

Remember O Lord, when you come into your kingdom: Laura, Vince, Jean, Vince, Evangeline, Micah, Faith, Christian, etc, etc. (List here the names of those you want to pray for)

And grant to each one of them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus the Messiah; enlightening the eyes of their understanding to know what is the hope of His calling.

Direct their hearts into the love of God; strengthening each one of them with all might, by your Spirit, in the inner man; filling them with fruits of righteousness, and filling them with the exact knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Establish their hearts in grace and truth; and may Christ Jesus dwell in their hearts by faith.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

***Note > That the entire rule of prayer is Scripture or Scriptural truth***

***Note > "The above rule of prayer" is my morning rule of prayer. I add other Psalms or hymns as well. Depending on time, you can have scripture readings afterwards.***

NOTE > The above "rule of prayer" can be shortened to fit your situation. The important thing is to establish a set time for your  "rule of prayer".

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THE SEVENTY

"After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go." Luke 10:1 (Read Luke 10:1-24 for the entire exhortation that Jesus gives to "the Seventy".)

The Lord appointed 70 men to go out as forerunners or apostles into the cities and places that Jesus was about to visit. They were to announce the Kingdom of God, healing the sick.

Amazingly we have a list of who "the Seventy"were/are!!!

Achaicus - 1 Cor. 16:17
Agabus - Acts 11:28; 21:10
Amplias - Rom. 16:8
Ananias - Acts 9:10-17; 22:12
Andronicus - Rom. 16:7
Apelles - Rom. 16:10
Apollos - Acts 18:24; 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; Titus 3:13
Aquila - Acts 18:2, 18; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19
Archippus Col. 4:17; Philemon 2
Aristarchus - Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Philemon 24
Aristobulus - Rom. 16:10
Artemas - Titus 3:12
Asyncritus - Rom. 16:14
Barnabas - Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11-15; 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1; Col. 4:10
Caesar -
Carpus - 2 Tim. 4:13
Clement - Phil. 4:3
Cephas -
Cleopas - Luke 24:18; John 19:25
Crescens - 2 Tim. 4:10
Crispus - Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:14
Epaphras - Col. 1:7; 4:12; Philemon 23
Epaphroditus - Phil. 2:25; 4:18
Epaenetus - Rom. 16:5
Erastus - Acts 19:22; Rom. 16:23; 2 Tim. 4:20
Euodia - Phil. 4:2
Fortunatus - 1 Cor. 16:17
Gaius - Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom.16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14; 3 Jn. 1
Hermas - Rom. 16:14
Hermes - Rom. 16:14
Herodion - Rom. 16:11
James, the brother of the Lord - Mt. 13:55; Mk. 6:3; Acts 12:17
Jason - Acts 17:5-9
Justus - Acts 1:23; 18:7; Col. 4:11
Linus - 2 Tim. 4:21
Lucius - Acts 13:1; Rom. 16:21
Luke, the Evangelist - Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24 (The author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles).
Mark, the Evangelist(called John) - Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37-39; Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philemon 24; 1 Pet. 5:13(The author of the Gospel of Mark).
Mark
Narcissus - Rom. 16:11
Nicanor - Acts 6:5
Olympas - Rom. 16:15
Onesimus - Col. 4:9; Philemon 10
Onesiphorus - 2 Tim. 1:16; 4:19
Parmenas - Acts 16:5
Patrobus - Rom. 16:14
Philemon - Philemon 1
Philip, the Deacon - Acts 6:8; 21:8
Philologus - Rom. 16:15
Phlegon - Rom. 16:14
Prochorus - Acts 6:5
Pudens - 2 Tim. 4:21
Quadratus -
Quartus - Rom. 16:23
Rufus - Mark 15:21; Rom. 16:13
Silas(Silvanus) - Acts 15:22-40; 16:19-40; 17:4-15; 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:12
Simeon, son of Cleophas - Mt. 13:55; Mark 6:3
Sosipater - Rom. 16:21
Sosthenes - 1 Cor. 1:1
Stachys - Rom. 16:9
Stephen, the Archdeacon - Acts 6:5-7:60; 8:2; 11:19; 22:20
Tertius - Rom. 16:22
Thaddaeus - Mt. 10:3; Mark 3:18
Timon - Acts 6:5
Timothy - Acts 16:1; 17:14, 15; 18:5;19:22;20:4; Rom. 16:21
Titus - 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:6-23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1-3
Trophimus - Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12
Tychicus - Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col.4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12
Urbanus - Rom. 16:9
Zenas - Titus 3:13

Though lists of "the Seventy" vary somewhat, all are remembered in the calendar of the Orthodox Church. One day, January 4th, is set aside to remember them all, and the record of their work is preserved in accounts handed down through the centuries, especially in those locations where they labored.

Several of the Seventy were prominent(Barnabas, Titus, Timothy, Luke, Philip), while others were relatively obscure in comparison. Barnabas is thought to be the first to preach in Rome and the first in Milan, but he was martyred in Cyprus, then buried by Mark at the western gate of the city of Salamis. Aristarchus, fellow-laborer of Paul, became bishop of Apamea in Syria. Sosthenes became bishop of Caesarea, and Tychicus succeeded him in that city. Simeon, son of Cleopas(who was the brother of Joseph the betrothed of the Virgin Mary), succeeded James as the bishop of Jerusalem. Aristobulus, the brother of the Apostle Barnabas, preached the gospel in Britain and died peacefully there. There are many records of "the Seventy" as well as other New Testament saints, and of the many martyrs and saints throughout the centuries, if you would like to read about them.

Here are a few examples:
Apostle Zenas is remembered September 27 along with Mark and Aristarchus. He co-labored with Paul; he is called a lawyer(Titus 3:13) and led juridical matters in church courts. He eventually became bishop of Diospolis in Lydda(Palestine).
Apostle Rufus is held in some traditions to be the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man compelled to carry the Cross of Christ(Read Mark 15:21). Paul greeted Rufus and his mother(Romans 16:13).
Apostle Hermas became bishop of Philipopoulis and is remembered May 31, again on Nov. 5th with four of the Seventy; Patrobus, Linus, Gaius, and Philologos, and then on Jan. 4th with all the Seventy. He died as a martyr. In his early life he was wealthy, but lost everything because of his sins and the sins of his sons. He was sent an angel of repentance who traveled with him throughout his life. Near the end of his life he wrote one of the most popular early Christian writings entitled, "The Shepherd of Hermas".
Apostle Onesiphorus became bishop of Colophon, and later Corinth. Paul speaks well of him in 2 Timothy 1:16-18. He is remembered September 7th and on December 8th with fellow apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Caesar, Cephas, and Epaphroditus. He died a martyr when he went to preach the gospel to pagans on the shores of the Hellespont in the city of Parium near Ephesus.
Apostle Carpus became bishop of Berroia(or Verria) in Macedonia. He is commemorated May 26 with Alphaeus and with the Seventy on Jan. 4th. Paul mentions him in an interesting passage in 2 Timothy 4:13, "Bring the cloak(phelonion) that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come - and the books, especially the parchments." For some reason Carpus was entrusted with a special "cloak". The greek word is phelonion which is a liturgical vestment, which is like a poncho with lots of room for making the movements required by a priest.

THE GREAT INTERCESSION

INTERCESSION FOR THE WORLD

In peace let us pray to the Lord. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For the peace of the whole world, and the salvation of all mankind. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the children of the world, gather them all to your heart, and make known Your love to them. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the fatherless, single parents, widows, and all the forgotten, grant them life, peace, mercy, grace, salvation, and visitation. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For the sick and the suffering, and all those oppressed with despair, grant peace and healing. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the Christians suffering persecution throughout the world, grant them peace and deliverance, visit them with your divine presence, and inspire love in them for their enemies. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all those taken captive against their will, save them, have mercy upon them, and deliver them. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the refugees of war, grant comfort, provision, and safe passage. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all those in prison, help them to be like the thief on the cross, and remember them when you come into your kingdom. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the people trapped in the darkness of false religions, illumine their hearts with the true lights of creation, conscience, and Christ. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all kings and presidents, and all civil authorities, turn their hearts as you turn the watercourses according to your will. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For favorable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, fresh air, pure water, healthy food, and that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all of creation that now groans in expectation of the manifestation of the children of God: watch over every aspect of your created order: every herb bearing seed, all the green herbs, every tree bearing fruit, the fish of the sea, the fowl of the air, all the land animals, and every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the people living in Greensburg and the surrounding countryside, pour out the rain of your Holy Spirit upon each one, and may they be convinced of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment, and may Christ Jesus dwell in their hearts by faith. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For our families and friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ here present, knit our hearts together in the love of Christ, that we might be filled with all the fullness of God. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For divine appointments to preach your gospel, and divine opportunities to show your love, and for boldness to speak your word. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the faithful disciples of Jesus throughout the world, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with them all. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For the well-being and protection of all the holy churches of God throughout the world. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.

For all the true Shepherds of your Holy Church, fill them with your Holy Spirit, and help them to rightly divide the word of Thy truth. > Lord, Show Us Your Steadfast Love.