[SaamanthaSterlyng]

I like the liturgy and see the value and importance of it as well as other services. However, some of the services can be quite long (the Feast of the Dormition was 3.5 hours last week at the church I attended). After about an hour (whether the liturgy or other services) I get physically tired, but I also start to get unfocused, agitated, and impatient. I know this is my own weakness. Any advice on how to get through this or develop more endurance and the right attitude during these times? Does it "get easier"?

[truportodfa]

We all get tired at some of the services eventually. Anyone that claims never to get tired is a liar. For some of us it takes a long time; for some it can be a very short time. It is part of our fallen humanity, and we are attacked harshly by the demons especially at moments of prayer and in the liturgical services. We allow ourselves to be deceived, thinking that nothing is really happening. Litanies pass by without notice. Blessings are given and all we think about is how low to bow down. But the Church does not give up on us, for Christ remains faithful to Himself and to us. Give yourself a rest if you need it. Take a seat, take a moment to observe the iconography. It may seem like a wandering mind, but we aren't perusing works of art with worldly conceptions. We are preparing to head back into the battle with our brethren. Just as we take moments of silence, facing the holy icons before our prayer rules, we can also use such moments to reconnect and recharge at the divine services. It is better to rest and then focus fully with vigor and love than to waver in and out of focus with agitation and impatience straight through.

And this isn't just because "we won't get anything out of it that way". This is a Eucharist, and we are showing God our thanks as best we are able. And remember, the Liturgy, "the work of the people", may have a stronger meaning: "the work which cannot be done alone". Don't be dismayed if you have to sit for a bit. Your brothers and sisters have your back, and Christ will not leave you in a time of weakness.

Will it get better? Perhaps. Yes and no. We all have good and bad days, so don't let it shock you when you feel yourself mostly unfocused at any future services. Just keep going back. Pray that the Lord might grant you endurance (as with any struggle), and trust that He will always accept the best that you have to give. =)

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Don't sit on any window sills. Acts 20:7-12

[baronaaba]

I was told by a father once before I was baptised when I was in Romania that because I wasn't baptised I shouldn't be attending the whole Liturgy which explains why I didn't feel comfortable during the entire service.

[Sensbachtal]

I once heard the late Archimandrite Symeon at the monastery here to say to a man who said something like this, 'it's not supposed to be easy!' It's a sign of our weakness. It's much worse when the service is in a language you don't understand. Sometimes it helps to gaze at the icons and/or frescos and contemplate them.

[Sheestgag]

One thing which I found very helpful in being able to manage through long services was to become familiar with the structure of the services, even though they were almost always in a language other than English. It allowed me to "pace" myself more easily, particularly if I was able to find the service text for that particular day in English, and could follow the whole service.

[gennick]

JUst remember when the priest says Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace oh Lord; is actually the half way point so you know you're on the downside of the mountain.

If you can walk to the other side of the church there is a whole different perspective. Boredom quicly diminshes. As others have said look at the icons and remember what they are telling you.

[Kneeniasy]

You should try doing the services in a Cassock and Dalmatik. Dehydration and heatstroke every Sunday in summer (and it's not that hot here).

[Enalsebeerkawl]

You should try doing the services in a Cassock and Dalmatik. Dehydration and heatstroke every Sunday in summer (and it's not that hot here).

But at least you are doing something, subdeacon. Part of the posters impatience etc is generated by just being stood there, albeit worshipping. God cured my restlessness because of my weakness no doubt by giving me things to do during the Liturgy. @ dalmatik.

[ptolerezort]

I might add that standing in one spot leads to fatigue very quickly. Taking a few steps every so often makes a big difference.

[kesFockplek]

But at least you are doing something, subdeacon. Part of the posters impatience etc is generated by just being stood there, albeit worshipping. God cured my restlessness because of my weakness no doubt by giving me things to do during the Liturgy. @ dalmatik.

I notice a big difference between reading, singing, and serving in my own church, and standing in others: it's much harder to concentrate then.

[hubua990]

I find my concentration slipping, I tend to focus on one of the icons for a while before returning my attention to the service. I also sit beafly at times (my legs do not yet appreciate standing for over two hours at once). I just do as much as I can and marvel that our fourfathers managed to do services over five hours long one go. Our Lord understands our weaknesses and accepts when we offer all we can in our human weakness.

Phoebe

[Anakattawl]

Well, don't force yourself, if you can't. Sit down, perhaps. You don't want to get sick or, worst of all -- discouraged. Please, read this article:http://www.razbointrucuvant.ro/2012/...to-despair-eng

[inchaaruutaa]

Well, don't force yourself, if you can't. Sit down, perhaps. You don't want to get sick or, worst of all -- discouraged. Please, read this article:http://www.razbointrucuvant.ro/2012/...to-despair-eng

I agree with Peter that focusing on the icons will be of help. And, although I do not know if this is orthodox, I would recommend connecting with an experienced, faithful worshiper in the congregation to mentor you through. And if possible, attend services that are not too crowded so you can really focus on developing a heartfelt connection to the liturgy.

I recently attended four services at the Novo Diveyevo Convent in Nanuet, New York, which are held in old church slavonic, a language I do not know. I am also mostly unschooled in orthodoxy (I am a former Roman Catholic turned Episcopalian, with a Jewish paternal grandfather and maternal Scotch-Presbyterian grandparents) but do know some Russian language and culture. Despite not knowing the church slavonic language nor being familiar with the liturgical gestures of the service, I was open to learning and wanting to know God in that place, and I did feel very connected.

I sat right behind the two nuns who comprised the choir, and they acknowledged my presence and gave me some guidance. They were my models and companions, although we never spoke to each other beyond one or two words (in Russian and English). One of the nuns is very old and ill, but strong in spirit and faith, performing her duty to the best of her ability in the choir despite being quite unwell. She was saintly but also clearly human, and for her I felt awe and inspiration. Also, I felt acknowledged by the Priest's kind manner toward me, and also especially when he censed all the congregants in the church. I loved being enveloped in a cloud of perfumed incense that was lifting our spirits heavenward. I found that listening closely to the choir's hymns, to the lector's readings and the Priest's prayers to be very inspiring even though I understood perhaps one of every ten or fifteen words. Their reverential and heartfelt actions and manner were meaningful and tangible.

When my mind did begin to wander, I did focus on the icons, especially a large painting of Jesus on the church ceiling. I spoke in silent prayer to the icons and looked intently on Jesus. I even tried to pray silent prayers I know in English. However, I found my prayers were silenced, something telling me to be quiet, be present, and listen. I learned that being present in mind and heart was what I was being called to be or do. The saintly companions, the icons, the choir, the incense, the liturgical gestures, all helped me return to God's presence when my mind wandered.

Be gentle with yourself, be open to your mind wandering and thankful when it wanders back to God. Wandering minds may be inevitable.

[SonicPs]

JUst remember when the priest says Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace oh Lord; is actually the half way point

Sorry, I meant to say; "Let us complete our evening prayer unto the Lord" as the half way mark.

I agree with Andreas in that I serve behind the altar and though my mind does wander, I cannot let it get too far away for if I miss my queue to hand Fr. the censor or open the door for Deacon or get ready for an entrance, I'm toast. As Fr/ explains it to the boys and those adults who just want to get "closer to God" by trying to be an altar server, Working behin the altar IS your prayer; So work unto God and your prayer will be heard.

So chant or sing or usher or serve, but work and your workful prayer will be pleasing to God and those you are serving by doing so.

I am trying to search for the source of the story I read but here is a synopsis.
A monk and priest were serving the Divine Liturgy and the monk turned to the congregation and saw bodies without heads and heads without bodies. He was confused and asked the priest about this later. He was told the bodies without heads were the parishoners that were physically in church but their thoughts were far away from the service and the heads without bodies were the monks working in the fields that though they were not present, they were contemplating the Divine Liturgy and were counted amoung those present.

I try to do this when there is a weekday service I can't attend, becuase I know the order of the service, I have a pretty good grasp how long it takes to get to certain parts and if I watch my watch, I can mentally participate with the service at that point in time.


Paul

[UTHZzJ6f]

To say more, it's not good for your mind to wander, not good if you can't stand up, only if you feel that it's something totally out of the ordinary. Personally, I have an illness and a many real weakness and my abilities are sometimes very limited. I have to admit this and be easy on myself, or I risk being proud and forcing things too much which has got me into more trouble than it would have had I just realized it's not normal to strain myself. There are many who do it and encourage others to do it, and even tell them that they are doomed if they can't stand through the Liturgy, if they don't do so many prostrations, and so on. Stay away from such people, they believe that their powers come from themselves, not God's Grace. They don't believe that God loves them and understands them, but that He sits there unhappy taking every weakness and illness the wrong way. That would be more like satan. Find an experienced spiritual father who seems to genuinely care about you and who can put you on the path of union with God, and not some sort of sport practicing with fatal implications.

I re-recommend this motivating article as a gentle cure for those who tend fall pray to lack of hope in God, or spiritual pride:
http://www.razbointrucuvant.ro/2012/...o-despair-eng/