Theophan the Recluse quotes
Examine yourself to see whether you have within you a strong sense of your own self importance, or negatively, whether you have failed to realize that you are nothing. This feeling of self-importance is deeply hidden, but it controls the whole of our life. Its first demand is that everything should be as we wish it, and as soon as this is not so we complain to God and are annoyed with people.
Theophan the Recluse
You ask about the prayer rule. Yes, because of our weakness, it is proper to have a prayer rule. For one thing, it controls excessive zeal. The great men of prayer had a prayer rule and kept to it. Every time, they began prayer with the established prayers, and then, if self-initiated prayer came, they turned to it from reciting prayers. If they needed a prayer rule, then we need one even more! Without formal prayers, we would not know how to pray correctly at all. Without them, we would be completely without prayer. Nevertheless, we should not collect too many prayers. A few prayers, correctly read, are better than many prayers raced through.
Theophan the Recluse
Remember that each of us has his own cross. The Golgotha of this cross is our heart: it is being lifted or implanted through a zealous determination to live according to the Spirit of God. Just as salvation of the world is by the Cross of God, so our salvation is by our crucifixion on our own cross.
Theophan the Recluse
We bear our cross unto salvation when, as we struggle against the passions and desires through both outward and inward spiritual labors, we cheerfully endure the hardships of life, patiently and conscientiously fulfilling the duties assigned to us - each in his own place. Under these conditions, the carrying of the cross of life will lead us to eternal rest.
Theophan the Recluse
No words can help if parents live the way their words are not reflected and confirmed by their life. The best way to teach children faith is first of all to be the example of it. "Therefore, the spirit of faith and piety of the parents should be regarded as the most powerful means for the preservation, upbringing, and strengthening of the life of grace in children.
Theophan the Recluse