“We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth…”
These words from Prince Vladimir’s emissaries after witnessing the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople should shake us. Why don’t we feel this? Why does the Liturgy sometimes feel like a ritual instead of a fiery encounter with the Living God?
The truth? We’ve forgotten how to pray.
This isn’t just a service—it’s the marriage of earth and heaven, where time folds and eternity breaks through. But to experience it, we must wake up our souls.
I. The Liturgy is a Ladder to Heaven – Will You Climb?
When the priest proclaims, “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, the very air changes. The walls of the church tremble—we are no longer in this world. The angels gather. The saints lean in. The same fire that burned in Moses’ bush now flickers on the altar.
But most of us stand there like sleepwalkers.
How to Pray at the Start: Throw Open the Gates of Your Soul
Before the first words, close your eyes. Breathe. Whisper: “Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim Your praise.” (Psalm 51:15)
When the priest says “In peace, let us pray to the Lord”, mean it. Crush every distraction, every grudge, every wandering thought.
The Liturgy begins in silence—not with words, but with the heart’s cry: “I thirst for You, O God.”
II. The Little Entrance: Carrying the Gospel Like a Burning Coal
The priest lifts the Gospel—not a book, but Christ Himself.
How to Pray Here: Become Fire
As the procession passes, imagine your soul walking with them. You are entering the heavenly courts.
When we sing “Come, let us worship…”, do not just sing—prostrate your heart. If you can, bow deeply. If not, let your soul kneel.
This is the moment to beg: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal—burn away my coldness!”
III. The Scriptures: God is Speaking -Will You Listen?
“Let us attend!” the priest commands.
Most of us do not.
How to Pray the Readings: Eat the Word Like Bread
Before the Epistle, pray: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)
Do not just hear the Gospel—let it pierce you. If Christ says “Repent”, repent there and then. If He says “Love”, love in that instant.
The sermon is not a lecture—it is a sword. Ask: “What must I change today?”
IV. The Cherubic Hymn: The Moment Heaven Leans Down
“Let us lay aside all earthly cares…”
This is the turning point.
How to Pray Here: Cut the Chains
Name your burdens one by one. “I lay down my anxiety about money… my anger at my spouse… my fear of the future…”
The priest censes the church—imagine your sins burning away like incense.
When we sing “We who mystically represent the Cherubim…”, remember—you are standing with the angels. Act like it.
V. The Anaphora: The Universe Holds Its Breath
The priest lifts his hands. The Holy Spirit hovers.
How to Pray Here: Be the Amen
When the priest calls down the Spirit, your soul must cry out with him. “YES, Lord—change me too!”
At “Thine own of Thine own…”, offer yourself. “Take my life, my will, my sins—make them Yours.”
The “Amen” is not a word—it is a surrender. Shout it with your last breath.
VI. Communion: Walking into the Furnace of Love
“With the fear of God, with faith and love, draw near…”
How to Pray Here: Die and Be Born
As you approach, whisper: “Though I am unworthy, You make me worthy.”
Open your mouth like a starving child. This is not bread—this is the Fire that does not burn but transforms.
After receiving, do not let the world rush in. Stay in the stillness. Let Him digest your soul.
VII. The End? No – The Beginning
The Liturgy never truly ends. You carry it into the world like a hidden flame.
When you leave, do not gossip in the parking lot. Walk as one who has seen God.
The “Liturgy after the Liturgy” begins now. Love your enemy. Forgive without reason. Give without counting.
Next Sunday: Come Hungry
If today felt empty, it is because we have forgotten how to thirst.
Next time:
Fast. A full stomach makes a drowsy soul.
Arrive early. War begins before the battle.
Stand like a soldier. Do not slouch before the King.
Receive Communion as if it were your last. (One day, it will be.)
The gates of heaven open every Sunday. Will you enter?
A Prayer Before Next Liturgy
“O Lord, strike my heart like a flint. Set me ablaze. When I stand in Your presence, let me feel the terror and the joy of heaven. Do not let me leave the same. Amen.”
This is not ritual. This is reality.
Will you wake up and see?