This Bible study focuses on stillness, the Jesus Prayer, and spiritual discernment in Orthodox Christianity. Stillness means learning to quiet the heart before God through prayer, attention, and repentance. It is not about emptying the mind into nothing, but about returning the mind and heart to God. Anthony Ally also introduced St. John Cassian’s teaching on discernment as the gift that guides the whole spiritual life.

The study explains two simple ways to begin practicing stillness: praying with attention and standing before icons in a focused way. The group discussed the Jesus Prayer, breathing, and the importance of building a small daily practice instead of trying to force a dramatic spiritual experience. Father Stephen also connected stillness to the Divine Liturgy, where the Church repeatedly calls us to attend, pray, and stand befor ...