Glory to God for granting me, his unworthy servant a new day. This day is very calm, sun shining very brightly here and I can see my beloved friends in the dorm very healthy and cheerful. After getting my breakfast, I am ready to go to work. And these are profound sayings and instructions for our Holy Fathers which God allows me to learn this morning:
"The true Christian tests himself every day. Daily testing to see whether we have become better or worse, is so essential for us that without it we cannot be called Christians. Constantly and persistently we must take ourselves in hand. Do this: from morning establish thoughts about the Lord firmly in your mind and then during the whole day resist any deviation from these thoughts. Whatever you are doing, with whomever you are speaking, whether you are going somewhere or sitting, let your mind be with the Lord. You will forget yourself, and stray from this path; but again turn to the Lord and rebuke yourself with sorrow, This is podvig of spiritual attentiveness" Bishop Theophan the Recluse.
"Everyday, hour, and minute, keep a strict watch and consider every thought, desire, or movement of the heart, every word and deed, knowing that the Lord is the Righteous Judge who is judging you every instant and is evaluating the inner man. Continually keep yourself pure for God" St. John of Kronstadt
"If you can not be merciful, at least speak as though you are a sinner. If you are not a peacemaker, at least do not be a troublemaker. If you cannot be assiduous, at least in your thought be unlike a sluggard. If you are not victorious, do not exalt yourself over the vanquished. If you cannot close the mouth of a man who disparages his companion, at least refrain from joining him in this". St. Isaac of Syria, from word from the desert blog
Glory to Thee O Lord, grant me, Thy unworthy servant the obedience to Thy commands and Holy will, because You are my God.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy one me a sinner!
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