Evil is bound to find a justification for itself, must appear disguised as good–often as the highest good. Evil always and inevitably contains an element appearing to have a positive value, and it is this which seduces man. Evil strives to present its positive aspect as a jewel so precious that all means are justified to attain it.
~Archimandrite Sophrony (St Silouan The Athonite, p.117)
He who would pray freely and untroubled must keep himself in ignorance of the news in newspapers, nor should he read mean books, or be curious to know details of other people’s lives….
Uninterrupted prayer is born of love, but fault-finding, idle talk and self-indulgence are the death of prayer.
~Archimandrite Sophrony (Wisdom of Mt Athos, pp.83-84)
Prayer is the best of all activities for the soul. Prayer is the path to God. By prayer we obtain humility, patience and every good gift.
The man of prayer should feel tenderly towards every living thing. The man of prayer loves all men and has compassion for all, for the grace of the Holy Spirit has taught him love.
~Archimandrite Sophrony (Wisdom from Mt. Athos, pp.81,85)
Prayerful Life 