Renovation

All of the virtues and powers of God are attained primarily by prayer. Without prayer, there is no spiritual life. Prayer is natural and we were fashioned by God to live a life of prayer. It should be brief and regular so that it can be kept in all conditions and circumstances. To remind yourself that it is "face to face," place an icon of Christ before you as you pray. Below is a Prayer of Healing.

At a most critical period in the history of the Israelite people, God sent inspired leaders to call His people back to the worship of the One True God. First and greatest among these prophets was Elias the Tishbite (also called Elijah) who enters Israelite history with dramatic suddenness. (1 Kings 17) He prized belief in the One God and there was no deviation from his total dedication.

The icon depicting the Prophet Elias fed by ravens shows that nature itself is governed by the will of God. The raven, a bird of prey, is chosen by God to be His instrument. God’s words to Elias were: “You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:4) In some icons, Elias appears as a strict ascetic full of zeal for faith in the true God, yet, afraid of the love God has for him. He is pictured as a “hairy man” holding an open scroll which reads: “I have been most zealous for the Lord the God of Hosts.” (1 Kings 19:10) Elias did not die! He was carried away in a fiery chariot while yet alive.

Through Elias we see God’s constant faithfulness to His people. He sends prophets in every age to lead His people in the knowledge of the One True God.