Thanksgiving in the Time of Lent
by Diahann Hiser, New Skete Candidate There is a beautiful Akathist called "Glory to God for All Things."* It was introduced to me by my parish priest during a particularly painful spiritual counseling session a few years ago. That was a difficult time in my life, and I found myself falling into despair. Father looked at me with deep compassion, understanding the pain, and asked me if I had ever prayed "Glory to God for All Things." I had not heard of it, and shook my head no. He handed a copy to me and I took it home and read it, with tears streaming down my face. As Father instructed, I prayed the Akathist. But lying on the floor. Face down. Now, Akathists are supposed to be chanted while standing. However, I could not stand. The words of thanks poured forth from my soul, mixed with salty tears. Giving thanks in times of trouble seems like something only holy people would do. But truly something shifts in the spirit, when instead of moping, or