Continued👇🏾
The Words of Prostration
But what shall we say as we prostrate? With the tongue we invoke the name of God; with the heart we remember the sufferings of Christ; with the soul we beg for forgiveness of our sins. Let each man say:
“O Lord, forgive us, remember not our iniquities. Have mercy on us, not according to our righteousness, but according to Your abundant kindness. You are our Creator, our King, our Shepherd, our Savior. To You alone we bow in faith and submission.”
This is the voice of true prostration: not empty motion, but the offering of the heart.
The Measure of Prostration
And how much shall we bow? The Church teaches that the number of our prostrations is not left to chance or habit but is guided by spiritual fathers. For one hundred prostrations offered in love will receive from God a hundredfold reward. Two hundred, three hundred, or more, each shall be reckoned, for God does not forget even the smallest act of service.
If the prostration is made in penance, then the measure is given by the Fathers according to the weight of sin, and the penitent bows as medicine for the soul. If it is offered freely out of love, then the Lord receives it as an offering of devotion.
Be assured, brethren, that no labor of ours is wasted before God. For He who weighs the hairs of our head and the drops of rain also weighs every prostration, every bow, every tear, and grants to His children the reward of their faithfulness.
Conclusion
Therefore, let us keep the wisdom of the Church with reverence. Let us prostrate when commanded, and in all things glorify Christ who bowed the heavens and came down for our salvation.
Part 6 Continues ...
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us.
Amen.
© John's Repentance
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