The healthy habit of self-reproach

How do you reproach yourself?  Very simply.  The conscience immediately speaks out, it immediately censures us, and we have only to agree that we acted wrongly and humbly turn to God with a prayer for forgiveness.  Even if only for a minute, you must absolutely reproach yourself in this way.  Our job is to reproach ourselves, even if it is just for a brief time and the rest is up to God. 

 

On warring with the passions

My simple words are comprehensible to a five-year-old child, but the meaning of all of life is contained in them. Learn to war with your passions—this is very important, and even imperative. The best guide for you will be the Lives of the Saints. The world abandoned this reading long ago, but don’t conform to the world, and this reading will console you greatly. In the Lives of Saints you’ll find instructions on how to conduct warfare against the spirit of evil and remain the victor. May the Lord help you. 

St. Barsanuphius of Optina

Prayer in church

 

Prayer in church is important.  The best feelings and thoughts come in church, and, yes, the enemy attacks more violently in church; however, with the sign of the Cross and the Jesus Prayer, you drive him away.