“It is known that the thoughts are led from the mind into the heart and disturb it. The troubled mind also troubles the heart. Just as the wind raises the waves of the sea, so the wind of thoughts raises waves in the Soul. That is why the Fathers talk about Prayer in combination with watchfulness. Watchfulness keeps the nous in constant alertness and readiness and Prayer brings the Divine Grace.”

“No matter how great the problem, no matter how great the sorrow, no matter how great the tribulation, the believer never throws down their arms, thinking God has left them. No! God helps people. As long as people do not leave God.”

A brother, distressed, approached Saint Ephraim of Katounakia, and begged him: “Elder, say a Prayer for me for my sorrow to go away!” The Elder put his hands on his head and Prayed, as usual. Then the Elder said to him: “Listen, my child. These days in my Prayer God has revealed to me the ‘bridal chamber’ of my Soul; as the Troparion of Holy Week says: I see Your Bridal Chamber adorned, O my Saviour, and I have no wedding garment that I may enter therein. Moreover, He revealed to me the ‘garment’ of my Soul.” The Elder’s face as he said these words was overjoyed. And he continued again: “My child, ask God to show you the ‘bridal chamber’ of your Soul!”

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