Sayings of The Holy Fathers:
If you feel sweetness or compunction at some word of your prayer, dwell on it; for then our guardian angel is praying with us.
St. John Climacus
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A mind which wages passionate war does not see the plans of the adversary; for then it is like a warrior fighting at night. But after gaining passionlessness, it easily discerns the wiles of the enemy.
Abba Evagrius the Monk
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In order not to be in daily bondage to the passions and the devil, you must set yourself an object to aim at, have this object constantly in view, and endeavor to attain it, conquering all obstacles by the name of the Lord. What is this object? The Kingdom of God, the Divine palace of glory, prepared for believers from the creation of the world. But as this object can only be attained by certain means, it also is necessary to have such means at one's disposal. And what are these means? Faith, hope, and love, especially the last. Believe, hope, and love, especially love, disregarding all obstacles; love God above everything and your neighbor as yourself. If you have not sufficient strength to preserve in your heart these inestimable treasures, fall down more often at the feet of the God of Love. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you," for He Who has promised is true. Walking, sitting, lying down, conversing, or working, at every time, pray with your whole heart that faith and love may be given to you. You have not yet asked for them as you should ask - fervently and instantly - with the firm purpose of obtaining them. Say now, "I will begin to do so henceforth.
St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ
St. John Climacus
The Ladder of Divine Ascent, On Holy and Blessed Prayer, the Mother of Virtues, and on the Attitude of Mind and Body in Prayer
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A mind which wages passionate war does not see the plans of the adversary; for then it is like a warrior fighting at night. But after gaining passionlessness, it easily discerns the wiles of the enemy.
Abba Evagrius the Monk
(Texts on Active Life no. 55)
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In order not to be in daily bondage to the passions and the devil, you must set yourself an object to aim at, have this object constantly in view, and endeavor to attain it, conquering all obstacles by the name of the Lord. What is this object? The Kingdom of God, the Divine palace of glory, prepared for believers from the creation of the world. But as this object can only be attained by certain means, it also is necessary to have such means at one's disposal. And what are these means? Faith, hope, and love, especially the last. Believe, hope, and love, especially love, disregarding all obstacles; love God above everything and your neighbor as yourself. If you have not sufficient strength to preserve in your heart these inestimable treasures, fall down more often at the feet of the God of Love. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you," for He Who has promised is true. Walking, sitting, lying down, conversing, or working, at every time, pray with your whole heart that faith and love may be given to you. You have not yet asked for them as you should ask - fervently and instantly - with the firm purpose of obtaining them. Say now, "I will begin to do so henceforth.
St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ
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