HOW TO PRAY WHEN THERE IS NO LIFE IN YOU. HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO CHRIST?

Summary

In this heartfelt video, the speaker addresses the struggle of feeling spiritually dead, a sentiment that resonates with many. Drawing from Orthodox and Catholic teachings, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the body in spiritual asceticism, suggesting that even when one's mind and heart seem lifeless, the body can serve as a lifeline through acts like prayer and fasting. The speaker also discusses the concept of 'scaffolding' in prayer, urging viewers to hold onto physical acts of devotion when their inner life falters. The message concludes with encouragement to avoid despair, as God allows such trials knowing we have the strength to overcome them, and to learn from the ascetical practices of the Saints.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker addresses the audience with a prayer for safety and health, highlighting the importance of addressing the feeling of being 'dead inside'.
• 📚 The speaker draws from the teachings of the Fathers and personal experience to offer guidance on dealing with the feeling of spiritual and emotional emptiness.
• 🏜 The script emphasizes the importance of the body in spiritual practice, especially when one's mind and emotions feel 'dead', suggesting physical acts like prostrations can serve as a form of prayer.
• 🧘 The concept of asceticism is presented as vital for spiritual survival, using the body as a 'scaffolding' for prayer and connection with God when the mind and heart are not responsive.
• 🤲 The speaker refutes the idea that the body is inherently evil, arguing instead that it can be a tool for salvation when used with wisdom and discernment.
• 🕊 The body is described as a 'safe haven' and an 'instrument' that can help in prayer, especially when mental and emotional faculties are not cooperating.
• 🛌 The script talks about the power of fasting as a form of non-action that can eventually lead to spiritual cleansing and the return of love and feeling loved by God.
• 🚶 The lives of the Saints are cited as examples of extreme physical practices that can make sense in the context of spiritual struggle and the use of the body in prayer.
• 🌅 The speaker encourages the audience to always orient themselves towards God, associating thoughts and emotions with love, hope, joy, and light to avoid spiritual despondency.
• 🛡 The importance of rejecting dark thoughts and emotions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, is stressed to prevent them from taking root and controlling one's life.
• 💎 Even in the face of spiritual death, the speaker assures that God's allowance of such a state is a blessing, indicating that He has provided the grace and strength to overcome it.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is dealing with the feeling of being spiritually dead or experiencing a state of despondency and despair, and how to use one's body and asceticism to overcome this state.

What does the speaker suggest as a way to deal with the feeling of being dead inside?

The speaker suggests using the body as a means of prayer and asceticism, such as bowing, prostrating, and fasting, to help deal with the feeling of being spiritually dead inside.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of the body in spiritual struggle?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of the body because, in the state of spiritual desolation where thoughts and emotions are dead, the body can serve as a 'scaffolding' to maintain a connection with God and a means to pray.

What is the role of asceticism in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions as described in the script?

Asceticism, as described in the script, plays a vital role in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions as a means to discipline the body and soul, helping individuals to stay connected with God during times of spiritual darkness.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the body, brain, and heart in the context of sin?

The speaker describes that the body by itself cannot sin; it requires the participation of the brain or heart. However, the heart and brain can sin without the body, highlighting the body as a potentially safe haven in spiritual struggles.

What is the significance of the 'scaffolding' metaphor used by the speaker?

The 'scaffolding' metaphor signifies the structure or framework that holds up the spiritual life when the inner life, represented by the heart and brain, has collapsed. It suggests holding onto physical acts of prayer and asceticism as a means to maintain spiritual life.

What are some examples of ascetical practices mentioned in the script?

Some examples of ascetical practices mentioned in the script include prayer with the body, such as bowing and prostrating, fasting, standing in prayer through the night, and living in extreme conditions like towers or caves.

How does the speaker view the role of emotions and thoughts in spiritual life?

The speaker views emotions and thoughts as potentially unreliable in spiritual life, as they can fail or work against an individual during times of spiritual struggle. Therefore, reliance on the body and asceticism is suggested as a more stable path.

What advice does the speaker give to prevent falling back into spiritual despondency?

The speaker advises always orienting oneself towards God, love, hope, joy, and light, and to reject any dark thoughts and emotions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, to prevent falling back into spiritual despondency.

What is the speaker's view on the human essence in relation to the brain and emotions?

The speaker asserts that human essence is not defined by the brain or emotions but by the image of God imprinted in every individual, emphasizing that all humans are equally valuable regardless of their mental or emotional capacity.

How does the speaker encourage the audience to use their bodies in times of spiritual struggle?

The speaker encourages the audience to use their bodies as a tool for salvation, suggesting practices like fasting, physical prayer, and asceticism, as a means to reconnect with God and overcome spiritual struggles.