Ancient
Antiochene Practice of Quiet Time & Prayer
We
live in an extremely busy world. Constant movement all around us. For those who
live in the city there is not one moment, so it seems, of true stillness. Those
who live with others and have families really have no time for quietness or
“stillness”. As Ancient Antiochene Christians we cannot over stress the fact
that each and every one of us needs time alone, still time, quiet time.
As Christians we try and find a “time out” spot every day.
This is easier for some and more difficult for others. We have pointed out in
previous lectures and in talks and articles the importance of taking walks
daily – if this is possible. It is good to have a close local park to walk in
or on a special trail (quiet streets are okay also). In this private walking time,
we learn to first rest our thoughts and become grateful and thankful to God. We
ask God to cleanse us from all sin and bad thoughts. We ask for a “tabula rasa”
(clean slate) of our mind so that we may think carefully and clearly.
These moments are a profound time to connect with God.
During this time, we disconnect from the stress of the material world and begin
to rest in the spirit reality of our being. In these moments we can begin to
have spiritual perception and peace with gratitude. Through personal prayer and contemplation of
life we gain inspiration and inner strength to move onward. This time is like a
time that we “refill” the inner gas tank of the soul.
Jesus himself took time out, away from his apostles to rest
and talk with God the Father. He is our example. In our private time with Christ,
we may begin to recognize what is truly spiritually real and begin to properly
define our material conditions. We can grow and mature until we see all things
spiritually and that all is governed by Divine Intelligence (God).
God has left much beauty in this fallen world to contemplate
His love. Our personal lives seem sometimes to be without purpose, hope, or any
real meaning. Jesus pointed to the birds and explained how God always takes
care of them. Have we noticed how much God has blessed and taken care of us
throughout our lives? So many blessings that we could never count them all. We
need to learn thankfulness as we mature in our Christian faith. We should never
take any good thing for granted. We are all in a progress, headed some place in
life. As Christians we understand that we have purpose and meaning – you are
worth something to God.
Antiochene Christian Silent Prayer
As Christians, we have God’s Kingdom within our hearts. We
can go there anytime. We also recognize the fact that this material world has a
beginning and an end. God has a greater Kingdom reality yet in store for those
who love Him. We can have divine assurance of our eternity with God through our
relationship with Jesus Christ. We serve a God of order and of true Life and
Love.
Another practice of the Ancient Antiochene Church of God is
to allow people to pray silently in a group setting. Many church groups will
end a study session with prayer requests and then appoint somebody to pray over
the issues discussed. As Antiochene Christians we prefer that after the prayer
requests are made there be a three minute (at least 3 minute) silent time for
each person to address the issues in their own inner thoughts and words with
God. Each person’s prayer will be different according to how God places the
issues on their own hearts.
We are not against open prayer and appointing a person to
pray in a group setting, but we also believe that silent-prayer should be
allowed and practiced amongst groups more often. Jesus informs us to go into
our “spiritual closet” sometimes when we pray. Only in the stillness of our
private time with God does true clarity come. In our “prayer closet” there is
no pressure, no stress, no anxiety – only the presence of God – the God who is
LOVE.
God will also speak to you in the private time. If we learn
to listen to his Word we find that he is never absent. Even during our busy
hours, he is speaking but we must learn to listen. True Christian belief
involves understanding. True faith is not blind – you do have to open your
eyes. Through proper spiritual understanding we have health and healing.
Please continue to join us here at “The Shepherds Way &
Nugget of Truth” everyday if you can - and share us with fellow brothers and
sisters in Christ. We are a family. No matter what church you may or may not
attend, the true Body of Christ is His people – not buildings and
organizations. We welcome you fellow brother and sister.
We also urge you to watch Presbyter King’s talks, sermons,
and lectures. Presbyter King has been gifted to give a clear and comprehensive
description and understanding of many important Christian doctrines. In this
Information Age it is important to get proper knowledge. Presbyter King has
worked with many churches and has traveled giving talks and Bible studies
throughout the years. As of 2026 his ministry is going on ten years of service
and he is recognized as the head “presbyter” of the Ancient Antiochene Church
of God here in America.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
AACG (January 26th 2026)
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