In times of affliction, unceasingly call out to the merciful God in prayer

∼ Words from the Church Fathers ∼

Put up your prayers, all your cares to God. He cares for you. Do not become faint-hearted, and do not distress yourselves. He who searches out the hidden depths of a man’s soul, knows your desires too, and has the power to fulfil them as he knows. For your part, ask of God, and do not lose your courage. Do not think that, since the longing you have is holy, you have a right to complain, when are not heard. God fulfils your longings in a way that you do not know. So be at peace then, and call upon God.
– St. Nektarios of Aegina

In times of affliction, unceasingly call out to the merciful God in prayer. The unceasing invocation of the name of God in prayer is a treatment for the soul which kills not only the passions, but even their very operation. As a doctor finds the necessary medicine, and it works in such a way that the sick person does not understand, in just the same way the name of God, when you call upon it, kills all the passions, although we don’t know how this happens.
– St. Barsanuphius the Great, Instructions 421

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