One of the things that Christians – and all humans! – are called to do is bless every moment with holiness; to “redeem the time” (1 Ephesians 5:16). One of the ways we do this is through continually prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Orthodox Christians are most familiar with this verse as it applies to the “prayer of the heart”, the way of silence through which the hesychasts pursue holiness. In fact, we are taught by the pilgrim in the classic Way of the Pilgrim that other approaches to satisfying this call are inadequate. As much as I love Way of the Pilgrim, it is worth noting that there is more to perfecting the world than saying the Jesus Prayer!
Saint Evagrius of Pontus was on the right track when he collected bits of Psalmody and Scripture that were useful for countering different temptations and demonic assaults. Along those lines, another clue to how we might redeem the time is found by looking at how our days are divided into prayers: morning, table, evening, etc. While such things have largely fallen out of use here in America, Christian cultures are deep with prayers for every situation, from sewing (e.g. “The wise-hearted women of Israel spun and knit fine linen garments for the glory of Thy Name and the clothing of Thy priests. We offer up this meager work of our hands to that same glory, and to the clothing of N____, a member of Thy royal priesthood in Christ.”) to hunting (e.g. “Thou didst command the Israelite hunters to pour out the blood of their prey (chaya) and cover it with dust, we pour out the blood of this, our prey, returning life to the One who gave it breath.”). There is no end the practical application of scripture to daily life.
Another good example comes from the Divine Liturgy – there are prayers for the clergy to get dressed by. Here they are (From St. Luke’s) with the scripture reference:
For the Sticharion (robe):
My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of gladness; as a bridegroom He has set a crown on me; and as a bride adorns herself with jewels, so has He adorned me. (Isaiah 61:10)
For the stole (Epitrachel):
Blessed is God, Who pours out His grace upon His Priests, as myrrh upon the head, that runs down the beard, the beard of Aaron, that runs down the border of his robe. (Psalm 132:2)
For the belt (Zone):
Blessed is God, Who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless. He made my feet like hind’s feet, and set me secure on the heights. (Psalm 17:32-33)
For the cuffs/gauntlets (Epimanikia):
(Right) Your right hand, O Lord, has been glorified in power. Your right hand, O Lord, has shattered Your enemies. In the greatness of Your majesty, You have overthrown Your adversaries. (Exodus 15:6-7a).
(Left) Your hands have made and fashioned me. Give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. (Psalm 118:73)
For the sword and shield (Epigonation):
Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, in Your comeliness and in Your beauty. Go forth and prosper and reign, because of truth and meekness and righteousness. Your right hand shall guide You wondrously always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Psalm 44:3-4)
For the chasuble (Phelon):
Your Priests, O Lord, shall clothe themselves with righteousness, and Your saints shall shout with joy always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Psalm 131:9)
And an additional one for the Cross (not in the service books):
And the Lord said; “Take up thy cross and follow me.” (St. Matthew 16:24)
And an additional one for shoes (not in the service books):
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring the Gospel! (Isaiah 52:7)
And then the prayer for washing our hands:
I wash my hands in innocence, and go about Your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of praise, and telling all Your miracles. O Lord, I love the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, men in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. But as for me, I walk in my integrity; deliver me, and have mercy on me. My foot stands on level ground; in the churches I will bless the Lord. (Psalm 5:6-10)
This kind of intentionality continues throughout the ritual of the Divine Liturgy; but why stop at this with the Divine Liturgy? These prayers can serve as a model for how to bless every action with prayers from Scripture. Why should the priests be the only ones who do this, and why only before the Liturgy? Why not have prayers for dressing in our homes (we could augment the ones above with the “armor of God” from Ephesians!)? For showering (Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be made clean, Thou shalt wash me and I shall be made whiter than snow. Psalm 50:7)? For brushing our teeth (“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 118:103)?
Can it get silly? Anything can if taken too far, but the days of the world are wicked – let’s use the scripture to redeem the time!
