Vespers # 124 ~ Ordinary Struggles

               

I am easily Distracted; just like this man

photo by Michael Summers, used under the creative commons license.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/canonsnapper/

I don't know about you but it seems that whenever I am at prayer time, whether at home or at a Divine Service, I have trouble concentrating. All good intentions of expressing piety and devotions can easily get swallowed up in distracted thoughts and plans for the future.   I recently reread a book by R. Leo Olson called Sojourning with Angels which is a novel that talks about angelic and demonic activities in a person's life. (and after death in the Aerial  toll houses) I love the way Olson depicts a Divine Service where the Faithful are gathered. Angels are there as well, praising God along with those who bear the Image of God, i.e., us people. Demons were there too trying to distract so perhaps that is what is happening to me.

The thought (just a passing thought) came to me last night in Vespers that I was just wasting my time.  I suppose that Satan's team is trying to get me from attending to spiritual matters.  This could easily happen if I let it. I could just seek comfort at home watching Netflix and I find that I don't really like to go out at night anymore. Thankfully, I remember (with the help of my guardian angel I am sure) that attending to Spiritual things is an important thing to do.  So despite not really "feeling like it," I attended service.

Fr. Gary was away so Fr. Sergious was leading us.  He has a nice, deep voice which I like to listen to. After the service everyone gathered in little circles to talk. I know I could have hung around and joined one of them but I decided to leave.

I highly recommend the book Sojourning with Angels but we warned, he uses profane language which comes from the mouths of people and demons alike in his book.  I liked it because it added a realism that I think helpped me accept the truth of spiritual matters.  If you end up reading, comment below and tell me what you think.

Blessings to you till next time!

Check out the trailer for the book below: