How to Psalmodize: Chanting, Silence, and the Jesus Prayer | St. Gregory of Sinai

☦ St. Gregory of Sinai explains how psalmody, silence, and mental prayer belong together in the spiritual life. In this instruction to hesychasts, he teaches that the practice of chanting and singing should be guided by discernment, moderation, and the condition of the soul. For those engaged in active spiritual labor, frequent psalmody can be a valuable aid. But for those practicing stillness and the prayer of the heart, excessive vocal prayer may disturb the mind and hinder its quiet attention to God. St. Gregory explains why those who have acquired the action of inward prayer should not abandon it unnecessarily, while those who have not yet experienced its power may benefit from more frequent psalmody and spiritual reading. He also reflects on the different paths of the saints: some advanced from active labor into contemplation, others remained faithful in a life of action, and still others practiced both psalmody and prayer. Each must remain faithful to the path to which he has been called. From Instructions to Hesychasts by St. Gregory of Sinai. May the Lord Jesus Christ grant us discernment, stillness, and perseverance in prayer. #OrthodoxChristianity #OrthodoxPrayer #Psalmodize #JesusPrayer #Hesychasm #StGregoryOfSinai #OrthodoxFaith #OrthodoxTeachings #ChurchFathers #withSeraphim 00:00 - Start 00:12 - Blessed Igor 00:47 - St Theodore 01:27 - Hieromartyr Januarius 02:07 - Martyr Zosimas 02:47 - Martyrs Trohpimus, Sabbatius and Dorymedon 03:26 - New Hieromartyr Nicholas 04:07 - New Hieromartyr Constantine 04:47 - Saint Goeric 05:27 - Saint Pomposa 06:07 - St Theodore of Tarsus 06:47 - Venerable Alexis 07:27 - Virgin-martyr Mary 08:07 - Saint with no icons or pictures