There is nothing more fearful than the thought of death, or more wonderful than remembrance of God. For the first induces the grief that leads us to salvation, and the second bestows gladness. ‘I remembered God,’ says the prophet, ‘and I rejoiced’ (Psalm 77:3). And Sirach says: ‘Be mindful of your death and you will not sin’. You cannot possess the remembrance of God until you have experienced the astringency of the thought of death.
~Ilias the Presbyter
Prayerful Life 