"For us let it be enough to know ourselves to
be in the place where God wants us, and carry on our work, even though it be no
more than the work of an ant, infinitesimally small, and with unforeseeable
results."
-- Abbé Monchanin
Abba Zeno said, 'If a man wants God to hear his prayer quickly, then before he prays for anything else, even his own soul, when he stands and stretches out his hands towards God, he must pray with all his heart for his enemies. Through this action God will hear everything that he asks.''
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The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Abba Euprepius said, 'Knowing that God is faithful and mighty, have faith in him and you will share what is his. If you are depressed, you do not believe. We all believe that he is mighty and we believe all is possible to him. As for your own affairs, behave with faith in him about them, too, for he is able to work miracles in you also.''
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The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
A brother who had sinned was turned out of the church by the priest; Abba Bessarion got up and went with him, saying, 'I, too, am a sinner.'
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The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Abba Amoun of Nitria came to see Abba Anthony and said to him, 'Since my rule is stricter than yours how is it that your name is better known amongst men than mine is?' Abba Anthony answered, 'It is because I love God more than you.'
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The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
The same Abba Agathon was walking with his disciples. One of them, finding a small green pea on the road, said to the old man, 'Father, may I take it?' The old man, looking at him with astonishment, said, 'Was it you who put it there?' 'No,' replied the brother. 'How then,' continued the old man, 'can you take up something which you did not put down?'
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The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
