Abba, I have wandering thoughts!

A brother complained to a hermit about his wandering thoughts.  The hermit answered, "Keep sitting in your cell and your thoughts will settle down.  Hitch a mother donkey to a rail and her foal will dance and prance around, but it always returns to her.  The same thing happens for the one who sits patiently in his cell seeking God.  His thoughts may wander occasionally, but they will return to God."

By Way of the Desert, 365 Daily Readings

compiled and modernized by Bernard Bangley

...if we stay near to God

A hermit pointed out that a person near the emperor is safe from harm.  "Satan cannot harm us if we stay near God.  It is because we frequently become vicitms of pride that it is easy for the emeny to lead our miserable souls into physical passion and humiliation."

By Way of the Desert, 365 Daily Readings

compiled and modernized by Bernard Bangley

Abba Macarius, how are we to pray...

When some brothers asked Abba Macarius how to pray, he said, "Prayer does not require a lot of language.  Frequently reach out your hands, saying, 'Lord, have mercy on me.  I trust you.'  If some struggle worries you, simply say, 'Lord, help me.'  God knows what is best for us, and God is merciful."

From By Way of the Desert, 365 Daily Readings

compiled and modernized by Bernard Bangley

A dimly burning wick he will not quench...

Abba Orsisius said, "It is my opinion that you must carefully watch your heart.  If you do not, you will absent-mindedly become careless with your speech.  A lamp produces light when it has oil and a trimmed wick.  One may light the wick without a supply of oil, but it will burn away and shadows will gradually come.  If a mouse attempts to eat the wick while it is still smoldering, the heat of the dying flame will turn it away.  When it knows fire is no longer in the wick, it knocks the lamp to the floor.  An earthenware lamp will be shattered, but a brass lamp you may repair.

"If a soul is careless, the Holy Spirit will gradually depart, until it grow cold.  Then the enemy chews on the soul, and wickedness breaks it apart.  If a good person who truly loves God stumbles into brief carelessness, our merciful God will caution him to watch more carefully in the future."

from By Way of the Desert

compiled and modernized

by Bernard Bangley

The Kingdom of God Is Within Us

More Wisdom from the Desert Fathers...

Abba Antony said, "Become familiar with virtue.  Itis not something that is far from us; neither is it outside us.  We have the capacity for virtue and we can have it if we desire it.  The Greeks sail across seas to expand their knowledge, but there is no necessity for us to travel for the kingdom of God.  We do not need to cross an ocean to find virtue.  Our Lord told us the kingdom of God is within us.  We possess everthing we need to become virtuous."

If you want God to hear your prayer...

Abba Zeno told us, "If you want God to hear your prayer when you stand, stretching out your hand toward God, you must sincerely begin by praying for your enemies.  When you do this, God will respect all you request."

From:  By Way of the Desert, 365 Daily Readings

compiled and modernized by Bernard Bangley

Wisdom from the Desert Fathers

Books abound with sayings by the Desert Fathers.  From time to time we will share some of these gems with you for your spiritual growth and perhaps they will also be an aid in your discernment process.

A brother asked a hermit to tell him the proper thing to do with his life.  Ther hermit replied that only God knows what is good, but that the great Nesteros, a friend of Antony, made a strong point when he said, "God is equally pleased by all good works.  Scripture tells us that Abraham was hospitable and God was with him.  Elijah sought quiet and God was with him.  David had humility and God was with him.  Therefore, whatever attracts you in the service of God is good.  Do it, and let your heart be at peace."

From:  By Way of the Desert, 365 Daily Readings

compiled and modernized by Bernard Bangley