tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post5536754597735627627..comments2023-10-24T04:24:51.405-04:00Comments on Orthodox Way of Life: How to Enter into Paradise a Bit SoonerFr Dn Charles Joinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06402529668011722050noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-77714904189113226132011-03-29T11:15:47.261-04:002011-03-29T11:15:47.261-04:00In the "Art of Prayer" the following are...In the "Art of Prayer" the following are listed as the feelings Theophan mentions in prayer:<br />1. The sense of "soreness" in the heart -- a feeling of compunction, of being "pricked" to the heart<br />2. Sentiment of "warm tenderness" The feeling of compunction, of human unworthiness, is still present, but is over shadowed by a sense of loving and responsive joy.<br />3.The most significant is the sense of spiritual warmth -- the "burning of the spirit" within us, the "flame of grace" kindled in the heart.<br /><br />He also cautions about distinguishing between spiritual feelings and natural feelings. He says we should be most careful not to accept any tinge of sensual pleasure as part of spiritual feelings. This can lead to delusion.<br /><br />A spiritual feeling is connected with compunction, a desire to be with God, an inner feeling of joy or "sweetness" that is not connected with anything physical.Fr Dn Charles Joinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06402529668011722050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-6260178519397245622011-03-29T10:23:36.822-04:002011-03-29T10:23:36.822-04:00Since the distinction between "emotion" ...Since the distinction between "emotion" and "feeling" is an essential one as noted by "anonymous" viz a vie the charismatic movement, what would be the characteristics of the "feeling" about which St. Theophan speaks? How do we distinguish one from the other?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-85274399752302083282011-03-15T13:47:56.173-04:002011-03-15T13:47:56.173-04:00Many will travel great distances to see their spir...Many will travel great distances to see their spiritual father. Others will rely on texts written by one. Once you contact one, often they will arrange for phone or email contact.Fr Dn Charles Joinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06402529668011722050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-74273845121930445612011-03-11T14:28:38.727-05:002011-03-11T14:28:38.727-05:00How does one get a spiritual father when there is ...How does one get a spiritual father when there is no Orthodox Church near by?Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15259471848448356474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-86467718386081334472011-03-04T13:56:39.989-05:002011-03-04T13:56:39.989-05:00Your cautions are most important. We have to be s...Your cautions are most important. We have to be sure not to rely on emotions. There is an important discernment to make here. Seek advice of spiritual father.<br />With an open heart there is a inner sense of hHis presence but this is not an emotion. Saint Theophan calls it a feeling.Fr Dn Charles Joinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06402529668011722050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-23154835823531861302011-03-04T07:00:14.070-05:002011-03-04T07:00:14.070-05:00...this post made me think back to my pentecostal ......this post made me think back to my pentecostal days when everyday was about 'working up the spirit' in order to attain the high for the day..we equated Gods presence with a 'feeling' and it had to feel 'right'...Over the years i've grown and discovered that God doesnt reside in the section of the brain that regulates my emotions and in fact my 'feelings' will often decieve me..or even worse..be used to decieve me by manipulative individuals..all in the name of God...I covet the immediate feeling of presence of God but at the same time its not essential to my faith in Him..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-39425573666373412482011-03-02T13:13:29.848-05:002011-03-02T13:13:29.848-05:00Dennis, a very mice story. May You continue to re...Dennis, a very mice story. May You continue to receive His blessings.Fr Dn Charles Joinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06402529668011722050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382810614574791176.post-46135830282469873602011-03-02T10:26:37.710-05:002011-03-02T10:26:37.710-05:00My 16 year old daughter asked if I ever miss morni...My 16 year old daughter asked if I ever miss morning prayer and if the prayers made a difference in my life or in my day. I said that it might not change my day but it does affect my reaction to it. This morning I got stuck in my drievway because of the snow. By the time I got free, I was a half hour late. Without prayer, the day might be ruined. With prayer, I remained calm and understood the Lord was in control. I was a little frustrated about being stuck, but prayer does stay with a person. When I wanted to become angry, I could still feel that calming presence.Dennis Justisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16071829371036934392noreply@blogger.com