Demonic and blasphemous thoughts during prayer

[@mullmonastery]

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[@remahunt4277]

For me this was the best teaching/preaching I have ever heard from you dear Father. Actually it was over my head but I was given the gift of grace to understand. I send you love and light and continue to pray for you each day. May Christ Bless you mightily, your monasteries and their inhabitants, and the hearts of all those who really hear you. Time is short.

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you for your prayers and your kindness, dear one. May He embrace you in His Love and may He guide you firmly on your path to salvation.

[@Book-bz8ns]

Father.. man, I tell you, you are talking directly to me. Thank you. I needed this lesson. As a matter of fact, the last several of these videos have been absolute arrows into me. The Lord Jesus is teaching me a lot lately! God is good!

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one. We are grateful that Christ uses anything our Monasteries have to offer to help anyone - if we related to each other only in this way, searching to find what we can learn from each other and how we can help each other grow... what a beautiful sight the world would be!

[@gracenroses7471]

I felt the same way, as if this was a personal exhortation to me from the Lord. I kissed my cross and thanked the Lord for these arrows into my heart, to steal your analogy because thats exactly what it felt like. Piercing, but not unto death, but rather life. Through His grace may I always remember this teaching

[@mn9583]

@@gracenroses7471​​⁠ Love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Agreed. Here’s a great verse from the book of Psalms I read yesterday. What you just said about arrows that pierced your heart. Verse 5 in the below passages came to my mind. May our Lord watch over us and keep us as we move forward together. A Prayer for Preservation From Evil Psalm 141:1-10 1’ Lord, I cry unto thee:make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. 2’ Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 3’ Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. 4’ Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. 5’ Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. 6’ When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet. 7’ Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth. 8’ But mine eyes are unto thee, O God, the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. 9’ Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. 10’ Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

[@scottcairns3138]

Wisdom and beauty. May this genuine Orthodoxy become the inner truth recognized in every heart.

[@fruitlife3922]

Father please pray for me. I don’t know where it comes from or I don’t have this kind experience in the past but recently I feel like my heart is hard than the stone. I pray that the good Lord heal my heart.

[@mullmonastery]

May Christ bless you and strengthen you through this desert, dear one. Being in the desert is always painful, but not always negative. A lot of growth happens when the experience of this desert humbles and ''refines' us spiritually. Have courage and trust Christ to guide you forward.

[@anthonypeggs2051]

Father Bless, please pray for me. I am Antiochian Orthodox. I have been attacked by blasphemous thoughts during prayer and even not during prayer for years. I know they are from the devil, and they are the worst, and most blasphemous and evil thoughts, that constantly bombard me. Please pray for me Father Seraphim. Thank you! Kissing Your Right Hand

[@joefox50]

I was baptised into the Orthodox Christian church in 2015 in a Romanian monastery. I felt closer to God, nowadays I'm struggling and feel further away from Him. It is a battle 🙏

[@thanasistama3943]

Logismoi can poison us so easily. So we must be grounded in the teachings of the church and the saints as we pray. …and when we are attacked spiritually in ambushes in our prayers be shocked at how easily evil can do it. Humanity is so gullible and open to pride, hubris, and greed. Fr. Seraphim you hit the nail on the head. Thank you for this talk. I hope it sinks into us all. We need the church, the sacraments, the saints in order to support us when we are attacked. As a superior once said to me, we must be doing something right if we are getting attacked. The Evil One does not want us to succeed. Be aware specially you who think you can be a person of prayer without the church and the sacraments. Be aware of praying extempore. Use the established prayers of the eternal church and it saints! Thank you Father.

[@julies570]

It’s so hard to discern when we don’t know how to progress. I have been suffering from anxiety and depression and it makes the spiritual life very unclear and frightening and distant. Please pray for me father! It has been a long struggle and i need your prayers and spiritual support thanks so much!

[@mullmonastery]

Prayer is not removed from the rest of our spiritual life, dear one. Do the things that bring God's grace upon you (be merciful, forgive everyone, stay away from judging others like from the devil himself, remain quiet when others are being unkind to you) and this grace, which comes from other sources but prayer, will then directly influence your prayer and give it life and strength.

[@Annyta_k]

May God will help you, father Seraphim

[@deitchj003]

I get the most disturbing dark swarm of thoughts when in prayer. Find myself having to do the Jesus Prayer and the sign of the cross frequently through out the day just to keep bad thoughts at bay. God bless you all.

[@SallyHicks-k5q]

Thank you father. I am not good at praying. I wander off. You have inspired me to keep trying. I am so glad I found the orthodox church.

[@mullmonastery]

If your mind wanders off a thousand times and you catch it and you force it back to Christ 50% of the time, that is immensely better than never bringing your mind face to Face with the Lord. Slowly (some times, very slowly) your mind will learn that being with Christ is a lot sweeter than going shopping while you pray :) Keep at it with humility and stubborn determination, dear one! Christ sees you and He loves you precisely because of this determination.

[@crystalbarnard3905]

This is so helpful, Father, so eye-opening. Exactly what I needed to hear. The struggle to pray, and during prayer, is an on-going one, and the devil is always right there, waiting for every little opportunity to disrupt and corrupt. It’s so easy to drop one’s guard and lose the way, and precious time is wasted getting back to God. Thank you for taking the time to speak to us about this. Nothing is more important. God bless you! ❤

[@mullmonastery]

Someone just reminded me that we have addressed this topic in the past, but... my memory is what it is :) I also believe that if a topic is on my mind, it means that someone / somewhere needs to receive a good word to encourage them to go forward in their spiritual life. I don't know you needs, but Christ does and He will guide each of us through the words He gives us through our brothers and sisters. Please remember us in your prayers.

[@riseandshinejp]

This happens to me. I have to stop, and refocus. I completely believe Padre Pio having fights with the devil in his cell. The devil presents scenarios of faith and redemptions, but makes me the focus, and replaces Jesus with myself. I know it is the devil, for all glory is to God. None is mine; I am a sinner, I am lowly. The devil's interruptions and temptations are sweet as honey; be vigilant.

[@mullmonastery]

May Christ bless you and continue to guide you in your spiritual fight, dear one. If you have not already, I strongly encourage you to read the Sayings of the Desert Fathers - you will find an infinite treasure, filled with advice about prayer and how to avoid falling in the traps of the devil. This is a collection of sayings of the monks who lived in the Egyptian desert as early as the third century.

[@jackpriestly751]

You are truly wise. May the Lord grant me the wisdom that you have achieved one day

[@mullmonastery]

I'm not certain about wisdom, dear one, but I do have experience, and experience teaches a man's heart. May we all support each other in prayer and may we all be One in Christ's Kingdom.

[@jackpriestly751]

@@mullmonastery Amen.

[@COSMOS_AND_SUPER_ULTRA_MIND.]

Glory, worship, praise and repentance to the Triune One and Only True Lord God Christ Mashiach - the Almighty Creator of the Universe! 👍👍⛪☦️🌌🌐... Thank you for a truly very important and interesting release! You are the truly modern Holy People!

[@Lam6da98]

That is something that I like about the Orthodox Church. This isn't even taught in the Southern Baptist churches that I went to growing up, it makes me fear for my salvation when I try to sleep at night.

[@mullmonastery]

Do not be afraid, dear one. The history of the Church is filled to the brim with people who have either lived in sin or have worshipped in the wrong way and yet, they find their salvation by suddenly opening up to Christ's Truth and embracing Him like children who had been long separated from their mother. When you find the Truth in your heart, follow it without any fear; waste no energy on fear and regret concerning the past and use all that you have to throw yourself forward, in Christ's arms and the arms of His Church. Please remember us in your prayers.

[@angelachiorean5151]

God bless you father! ❤

[@aWitness33]

The full armor of Hod tells us that the sword of the spirit is our tongue; truth coming from our tongue. How did you know I needed this lesson just now? Thank you and may God bless you and your fellowship.

[@Tom-d4f8h]

Do you think the modern day Protestant perspective of unloading your inner thoughts to God is wrong even when these thoughts involve anger against God? Also what do you think of some of Job's prayers to God which do border on blasphemy (some commentators in the Talmud actually accuse him of blasphemy!)? A similar question could be asked about a number of the Psalms. And also I've heard people say it's more authentic to use your own words in prayers rather then other people's prayers. Another way of putting it is it's better to tell God how you really feel rather than just saying what you think is the "right" thing to say. Could a hybrid approach be used? I think Isaac the Syrian recommended using the Psalms as a template but then putting some of yours own words into them. Answers welcome from everyone and anyone.

[@trudiswanson9855]

Oh ,thankyou Father! I'm deeply touched by this teaching.

[@thebookcompanion7324]

Thank you Father for this. Pray for me.

[@Clokes_]

This makes me fearful of my prayer intentions and prayer life for I am an active drinker, possibly an alcoholic. If this comment finds you I would ask if you would please pray for me to learn how and to pray correctly.

[@mullmonastery]

As I wrote in reply to another comment, don't forget that your prayer is part of a much larger context, dear one. Your spiritual life includes everything else you do - bad (such as your drinking), but also good. If you struggle to address God directly in prayer, you can intercede before Him through all the other spiritual things you can you 'indirectly': force yourself not to judge others, stay away from anger, be merciful, forgive everyone, stay silent and keep your peace when others are being unkind to you (this is the beginning of humility) and so on. Do all these things and they will act as a silent, active prayer that can move God to mercy towards anyone.

[@JudeNoneya]

Surrender to God. Read and practice the Steps. It's a process trust the process and give your problem with alcohol to God and don't take it back. Attend AA meetings daily

[@Crustapher]

Addiction is hard my friend. I was a alcoholic and heroin addict for 20 plus and can relate. It gets better. You have to fight everyday and give it to God. Be vigilante but you have to fight.pit on the full armor of God and pick up the word and sword of God and your cross and follow. Jesus is king 👑

[@luciusbutton]

Work the steps- get a sponsor - live in humility- Lord have mercy!

[@stylist62]

Thank you Father for the hope you pour into me🥲🙏🙏Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us🙏🥰

[@mullmonastery]

Hope means one more step forward, dear one - who knows what awaits us just one step forward? That one step, in the spiritual life, can make all the difference, because Christ can be just there, waiting for us. Please remember us in your prayers.

[@MariePierre.Y]

Thank you so much for this powerful teaching, God's sent, I needed it. 🙏🙏

[@KKbionic]

You can not fast, nor be alone, nor lie on the ground, nor watch all night? Yet may thou gain the reward of all these things, if you go about the matter another way, by attending on him that labors in them, and refreshing and anointing him constantly, and lightening the pains of these works. He, for his part, stands fighting and taking blows. Do thou wait on him when he returns from the combat, receive him in your arms, wipe off the sweat, and refresh him; comfort, soothe, restore his wearied soul. If we will but minister to the saints with such readiness, we shall be partakers of their rewards. -St. Fr. John Chrysostom

[@mullmonastery]

That is a beautiful quote, dear one, thank you for sharing. St John Chrysostom spoke with the voice of Christ, straight from the depth of his experience. He is a perfect example why we should always go back and learn from the Saints of the first centuries.

[@waitingintheaether]

I am very new to the Orthodox faith and am still an inquirer. I was led to the church by dreams and visions that included Christ (and far too many that have included the words of demons). Often, when I describe my experiences to people or even just think back on them, I feel like I'm going crazy. I fear falling into delusions like I have in the past. It's hard, because I don't want to ignore God but I don't want to be led astray, either.

[@thepowerfulpractice]

Glad you are here. I am an enquirer also. What I can say is, regardless of what the truth of your dreams are and what led me here is, we are here now. And Father Seraphim makes great points about the safety of growing within the Orthodox Church going forwards.

[@erinmcmurtry5640]

Thank you, Father. This is very helpful. God bless you.

[@svilenkondakov4997]

Thank you Father Seraphim! Saint Silouan of Mount Athos prayed how to be delivered from these demonic things that were so daring that they even stood in front of him and prevented him and in this way from venerating the Icon; he prayed and God answered in his heart "The proud always suffer from demonic attacks."

[@mikedavidson1970]

Thank you

[@haws3232]

Thank you Fr., God bless you.

[@angelachiorean5151]

❤ VERY BEAUTIFUL ICONS!

[@mullmonastery]

Some of them I have had since before joining my monastery in Moldavia. They were my ''treasures' and they have travelled with me all these years (which have now turned into decades). They are as tired as I am.

[@gretagarbo1119]

Thank You so much,Dear Fr.!Much love!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgepredescu8323]

Va irmaresc mereu cu drag..

[@eric6713]

Wonderful Teaching !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joannewinters2079]

Thanks for explaining this farther I often wondered 🤔 if I'm praying 🙏 the way I should I'm from protestant background and I'm looking to join the Catholic Church ⛪️ as I love going to mass when I can I really do have so much to learn I love our Lord Jesus very much ❤️ and his beautiful mother,,, mother Mary and the stories and lives of the saints it's wonderful learning from them and yourself 😮 amen bless the work you do glory honour and praise be to God.

[@openplz3000]

I pray for all my you tube priests and excorcists. Your name is easy to remember. I will include you when God's armour goes up! Thanks for the enlightenment Fr

[@Ryzen_foc]

Thank you for this video Father, I cant help but feel an immense amount of fear from this lesson however. May God bless you and keep us all in His arms now and to the ages of ages, Amen.

[@Beatrice.Ndungu]

What a great teaching. Speaks to me in many ways. Thanks Fr.

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one. Please keep us in your prayers.

[@metoo6599]

Thank you ❤

[@Subeffulgent]

Excellent . Keep up the good work in Christ.

[@monroe1258]

I really appreciate your videos, and the insight and teachings you share! Your voice also lends a sense of peace. If anything good came from the covid lockdowns was that I discovered your channel, and a few others that have really taught me so much about topics that aren't covered by my priests during mass or in religious education.

[@angelachiorean5151]

Dear father thank you ! ❤

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear one. Please keep us in your prayers.

[@batboy49]

Ty for letting folks know about this...I have had it happen.

[@CenterPorchNP]

There are times when I just have to forego the written prayers and just pour out to Him.

[@mullmonastery]

That is true, dear one, but these are 'times', special moments brought about by some external (or interior) event - this is why it is essential to hold on to prayer even outside these special moments, so we may be prepared and able to pour our heart to Christ when they do occur.

[@CenterPorchNP]

@@mullmonastery you are such a blessing. I'm a Catechumen coming from RC. You have helped many a time.

[@Didina.Claudia]

Maica Domnului sa va ajute Parinte 🙏

[@mullmonastery]

Tot dragul in Domnul, doamna Claudia. Sa va imbratisati baietii din partea mea.

[@thepowerfulpractice]

It was the prayers of his Spiritual Father not the words of the Spiritual Father that exposed the lie. Wonderful lesson in humility

[@davidhohenstein1813]

Father, I am today an inquirer of Orthodoxy and have been enjoying and learning from your videos. What should a person do after they say prayers that they regret, or pray in a way they later regret?

[@CielVenus1]

Sometimes when I pray, insults toward the holy virgin or Christ, pop in my mind without wanting it. I can't control it and it worries me a lot. It even happened the day of my baptism. I wonder if im possesed or if im a bad person I dont know. I have a past heavy with terrible sins before my baptism maybe there's still evil in me I dont know

[@direkhtor4061]

❤️

[@katkat2340]

Lord have mercy on me a sinner

[@htttppppp]

Alas I am not advancing as I abandoned my prayer rule long time ago and now it is almost impossible to get back.

[@georgepredescu8323]

Pr va rog mult de tot daca puteti tine un cuvant despre pierderea harului,dupa ce venim in manastire si pierdem harul...e tare greu.cu redobandim harul si cum trecem prin aceasta perioada tare grea...mi am dorit sa va cunosc cand a ti venit in tara dar..sunt monah..

[@jayx.6813]

Quite a story!

[@Herraarmahda]

Father, please help me. I have began wanting to start a monastic life, but don't know if it's just the evil one trying to trick me into pride.

[@mullmonastery]

You need to talk to your spiritual father or your parish priest, dear one. But make sure first that he himself understands or at least acknowledges the possibility of a monastic all. At times, especially in the West, the priests themselves struggle to discern their parishioners' monastic vocations. Also, find a copy of the Ladder of St John, read it and you will either run away scared or your heart will be set on fire. That will be a sign.

[@Herraarmahda]

@@mullmonastery Thank you father!

[@djnv4702]

🙏🏼 ❤

[@momentomori5263]

Father i have many about my prayers i am not very social person sence i cut ties with people who might harm my spiritual life and is it pride? Also i have rejected Christ before and now i try to connect more sometimes my prayers are sweet even i have cried but often feels authomatic like it's beeing rushed and i do try to not get distracted but i do also i try to pray for the people i don't talk with but sometimes feel hate and try to surpress it with prayer

[@SeraphimSingleton]

That made me feel better

[@annawray2220]

Thankyou Fr Seraphim! On another matter I wonder if you received my email about the baptism of my son? I sent it about a month ago…don’t want to pester but wonder if it got missed ❤️

[@mullmonastery]

My dear Anna, yes I have received it - forgive me, I delayed getting back so I may think how to get this done, then - as always, it seems - other things gripped my mind and I totally forgot. I'll write later tonight.

[@annawray2220]

@@mullmonastery This happens to me daily!

[@Haliafaith]

I had a false encounter with Lucifer while praying, appearing as Christ. I dont know how to escape it?

[@LSCModels]

Demonic and blasphemous thoughts you have to cancel those thought out right away.

[@mullmonastery]

That is correct, dear one. It takes practice and we may fail for some time, but - slowly - Christ will show us the way. Just do not allow these thoughts to scare you and do not give them ANY attention.

[@LSCModels]

@@mullmonastery The Jesus Prayer is one of the best ways with Prayer rope. 😃

[@francoisvanderstegen4962]

Pray for me, Father, because i am a sinner.

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you, dear one. May Christ guide you out of all darkness and into His Light. Remember us in your prayers too, because we are all sinners who need the prayers of other sinners - only together we can be saved.

[@c.f9639]

How to fight demons

[@heathstjohn267]

Please could you make a video about the " Wrong Tears " in prayer ? Either that, or dwell on it in a video, should you ? It's very important to me. If something is telling you not to, I accept that. Indeed, I said the same thing to you in an unanswered email; so I imagine that not to reply to me then was the right thing to do; which makes me rather fearful. Thanks very much.

[@henriettanovember4733]

🌼

[@sethabel4315]

This is terrifying.

[@TheKidneyAndTheStone]

Oh my this devil today grr

[@multich2443]

how do i stop watching porn and have lustfull thoughts? Please help me father

[@mullmonastery]

I pray, dear one, I pray, because this is a horrid habit and very difficult to overcome - not only because it is highly addictive, but also because it seems to be almost generalised in our generation. Keep moving forward, keep getting up and keep asking Christ to forgive and help you. I take it that you are part of the Orthodox Church - make sure you use all the Sacraments: confess frequently, receive Communion, and do all the things that 'force' God's mercy: do not judge anyone for anything, remain humble and quiet when others are not kind to you, forgive, be merciful. These things are so powerful that, even if you were (God forbid!) to die in your sin, you would still have a chance of salvation.

[@gretagarbo1119]

@@mullmonastery ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nickcef]

As you so rightfully state, Father, prayer based on passions and pride will always lead to eventual spiritual and physical disaster. In today's politically charged world, it's so easy for anyone to fall blindly into this trap. We are told by the media on a daily basis that we're better than the other side in every way imaginable. Humility is thrown into the trash and looked down on. As you say, "the sweetness of the fallen self" is glorified and yearned for as the ultimate state of happiness. Do what you want to do, do what feels good is once again the mantra of the godless and mislead hoards. Repent people, repent!

[@mullmonastery]

It is not by accident that this was the cry of St John the Forerunner and that this is also how Christ begins his public mission in the world. 'Repent!' is the foundation of everything that follows. If what follows in one's spiritual life is not founded on this cry (Repent!), it will come crumbling down, as a house built on sand.

[@nickcef]

@@mullmonastery May the Good Lord bless you in all your pursuits, Father!

[@svilenkondakov4997]

Thank you Father Seraphim! Saint Silouan of Mount Athos prayed how to be delivered from these demonic things that were so daring that they even stood in front of him and prevented him and in this way from venerating the Icon; he prayed and God answered in his heart "The proud always suffer from demonic attacks."

[@halabouabs6166]

❤

[@svilenkondakov4997]

Thank you Father Seraphim! Saint Silouan of Mount Athos prayed how to be delivered from these demonic things that were so daring that they even stood in front of him and prevented him and in this way from venerating the Icon; he prayed and God answered in his heart "The proud always suffer from demonic attacks."