The Name Above Every Name, Conference Three

The Name Above Every NameConference ThreeThe Broken Heart and the Descent into the Heart Learning to Stand Before God

“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.”— Psalm 51:17

There comes a moment in every authentic spiritual life when we discover that we cannot pray as we imagined we would.

We begin with generous resolutions. We set aside time.We struggle to be faithful.We seek recollection.

Yet gradually another discovery is made.The deepest obstacle to prayer is not distraction. It is ourselves.Not because we are evil.But because our hearts have become divided. Part of us longs for God.Another part clings to the world.Part of us desires silence.Another part fears it.Part of us seeks Christ.

Another part still wishes to preserve itself. Prayer slowly uncovers this division.Not to discourage us.But to heal us.

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Archimandrite Zacharias often says that the purpose of the spiritual life is not simply to become moral.

It is to acquire a heart capable of standing before the living God. That is a very different thing.Many people imagine holiness as flawless behavior.The saints speak instead of relationship.

A man may appear outwardly blameless while never allowing God near his heart.

Another may come before God in tears, unable even to lift up his eyes, and return home justified.

The difference is not perfection.It is truth.God can only fill the heart that has ceased pretending.⸻⸻⸻This is why repentance occupies such a central place in the Jesus Prayer. “Have mercy on me.”These words are not born of self-hatred.Nor are they the cry of someone obsessed with guilt.They are the language of love.