Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

anxiety

3 Entries

"Life is hope free from all anxiety, wealth hidden from the senses but attested by the understanding and by the true nature of things." St. Peter of Damaskos (Twenty-Four Discourses no. 6, The Philokalia Vol. 3 pg 224)

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Freedom from anxiety makes it (the heart) rejoice and give thanks; and the grateful offering of thanks augments the gifts of grace it has received. And as the blessings increase, so does the thankfulness, and so does the pure prayer offered with tears of joy. Slowly the man emerges from the tears of distress and from the passions, and enters fully into the state of spiritual joy. The Philokalia, Vol. III - pp. 260 - 263.

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166. It is good to hold fast to the principal commandment, and not to be anxious about particular things or to pray for them specifically, but to seek only the kingdom and the word of God (cf. Mt 6:25-33). If, however, we are still anxious about our particular needs, we should also pray for each of them. He who does or plans anything without prayer will not succeed in the end. And this is what the Lord meant when He said: 'Without Me you can do nothing' (Jn 15:5). REF:Saint Kosmas Aitolos +1779

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