Gluttony - the beginning of all vice and sin, the first step leading down.But this does not mean that we should starve yourself and bring to exhaustion.Ascetic feats - this is not for the laity, who are at risk of falling through excessive abstinence where the worst sin - pride.Monks prescribed strict limits, because they are constantly under the supervision of its clergy, and pride can be detected in the early stages.The rest is enough to be moderate and reasonable.Prayer before the meal - this is where to start familiarizing with the Orthodox asceticism.
Iron strengthening
about the importance of turning to God in front of reinforcement forces knew long ago.Therefore it is necessary to pray before the meal was delivered.There is an appeal to God after a meal.Believers pray and during the meal.I met an interesting story of an Orthodox man who had seen more than others.He watched for a few monks, to satisfy the hunger.Reflects on the things of the world during the meal did not receive any benefit.A monk who prayed during the meal, became physically and mentally stronger, as if the iron from the food turned to his body, and spirit.
two choices
What prayers read before the meal?There are two options.Either standard "Our Father", knows that every Christian.Either a short prayer written especially for eating.It says that the desire to get enough of a man relies on God, because he cares about it.It expressed confidence that the food is sent to a person at a time when he needs it, at the right time.The Lord is glorified for his generous hand.It said, and faith in what God can satisfy our bodily needs.
not curse yourself!
Why before eating read "Our Father"?She was not originally created as a prayer before a meal?Firstly, it is an appeal to God from the beginning to the end described in the Scriptures.Secondly, it asks God to give people bread for every day.And this is the main reason that it prescribe it read before a meal as an alternative prayer before meals.But it involves a lot more than just praise God and gratitude for their daily bread.At the request of the food contained in prayer and asked to allow us from our sins.But we must remember that the debts referred to in prayer sins can be forgiven if you forgive yourself guilty before you.If you refuse to forgive, the "Our Father" becomes a curse for you.She, you condemn yourself for sins, since you condemn others.
Orthodox Prayer before meals should be supplemented with a prayer after eating the food, which often overlooked.Often people can not finish the meal, he goes further and takes the food.This is a form of gluttony.To put the point mentally after a meal, read a prayer.Of course, it is not a magic spell, and does not force you to refrain from eating.But mentally it will be easier to control himself.
