Status Updates From Pilgrimage to Pascha: A Dai...

…Surrender to the One who is all-embracing Love.

Only God can quench the desires of the human heart.

Forgetting all cares of life, by abstinence, let us renounce our love of pleasure and concern ourselves instead with charity.

Material things may be desirable, even honorable, but they cannot replace the joy of the Spirit of God dwelling in my heart.

Help me, O Lord, to transform my passionate nature through tears, humility, and diligent labor — just as St. Moses did.

The only safe road for a follower of Jesus, says St. Gregory, is to tread in the footsteps of the experienced Divine Guide.

Through fasting, let me open my horizon; let me look heavenward.

I appreciate God’s many blessings upon my life, but I still seek more— and even more! Let me assuage my nagging inner hunger by being satisfied with His presence, His love, alone.

Let me be willing to become a true servant of Christ.

Lord, let only virtuous words come from my mouth.

Help me to be generous with my possessions, Lord, for all I claim as mine comes from You.

Let me become brave enough to confront my negative thoughts and feelings, armed with the promise of inner freedom through prayer.

Let me try to sincerely pray “Your will be done.”

Let me begin to look upon Holy Scriptures as God’s letter filled with His mercy and love — a letter personally addressed to me.

I can choose to be with the Lord, or I can separate myself from Him.

As I approach You this Lenten season, Lord, let my repentance be sincere, and forgive my sins.

Through prayer and fasting, I realize the weakness of my own soul and body, which are so feeble.

Without uninterrupted prayer we cannot draw near to God.

Many times, only when I look back on difficulties do I recognize that God was with me.

May I serve You with the talents You have given me.

Let my aim in prayer be having the Holy Spirit indwell my heart, rather than having God ease my daily drudgery by answering all my requests.

I’m reminded of my Lord’s words, “for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
I sin by ignoring the time-honored Orthodox practice of beginning any activity with prayer and ending it with thanksgiving.

Lord, teach me how to claim time for prayer and solitude with You.

By God’s gift and mercy alone the rain of His lovingkindness and grace falls and causes the unfruitful soil of our hearts to bear fruit.