St. Gregory of Narek (945-1003) was a monk who lived in what is now modern-day Turkey. The doctor of the Church (proclaimed so by Pope Francis in 2015) wrote beautifully about the mysteries of God and of the Catholic faith. Most notably, Gregory wrote a collection of prayers entitled, The Book of Lamentations. The many words found here can provide sustenance for our spiritual journey while feeding us with a vision for deeper intimacy in prayer.

In “Prayer 42,” Gregory writes about the Crucifixion. He is speaking to Jesus and referencing himself as someone who was there with him at Golgotha but who was not given any of the punishment he deserved. Gregory writes:

With the man who was crucified with you, who was not captured for your sake and was not bound, was not hanged and was not nailed, was not beaten in your great name and was not disgraced, was not tortured and was not treated with contempt, was not crushed and was not killed, I beg to be worthy of the Kingdom.

At the cross, it is Christ who takes on the weight of sin in our place. He received what we deserved. And yet, he did it all with us in mind. Our sins were truly present at the cross but we were not beaten or disgraced or tortured — only Jesus was.

These lines give insight into the heart of Gregory of Narek. Prayer, for him, was the ability to be with Jesus and the chance to gain access to the heart of God. Union with God in prayer allows us too to see ourselves as Jesus views us. When we stare at a crucifix, we are called to experience what it would have been like to be with Christ as he gave his life for you and me. The more we are moved to experience the true nature of Golgotha, the more we will know who Jesus is and who we are meant to be.

Gregory also wrote, in “Prayer 45” of the Book of Lamentations, about the way the soul ought to approach prayer: with complete vulnerability and honesty.

Gregory writes:

Now, confess, my ruined soul with hope in your heart for salvation with the belt of faith tight over your kidneys, confess your thoughts to God as if thoughts were actions, as if plans were accomplishments, as if invisible were seen, as if the heart’s secrets were voiced, as if sinful intentions were committed wrongs, as if words were deeds, as if footprints were a flight from God’s will …

This prayer can be made our own when we begin our time of conversation with God. For Gregory, we must always be motivated to unveil our whole selves to Christ so that he can mend and heal every single aspect of our lives.

The many words of this holy man ought to remind us that prayer is about love; yes, our love for God, but even more so, God’s abundant love for us. When Christ was on the cross, he was thinking of you and me, and he wasn’t afraid of our sin.

The words of Gregory of Narek can inspire us to be drawn deeper into this truth, drawing us into deeper relationship with the King of Kings.