Yes. Orthodox Christians may pray in their own words. Personal prayer and the traditional prayers of the Church are not opposites.
Why use a prayer book then? Established prayers teach the language of repentance, thanksgiving, praise, and intercession. They also help when a person is tired, distracted, or unsure what to say.
Does spontaneous prayer have a place? Certainly. A Christian may speak simply to God about gratitude, fear, family, work, temptation, sorrow, or the needs of another person.
What is the danger of using only personal words? Prayer can easily become centered only on our immediate wants. The Church's prayers continually widen our attention beyond ourselves.
A balanced daily practice is discussed in What Are Orthodox Morning and Evening Prayers?.
|
Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
