HOW DO I DRAG MYSELF OUT OF SIN AND BACK TO PRAYER? HOW SOON CAN I ASK FOR GOD'S FORGIVENESS?

After we sin, our hearts freeze. For a while, we stay away from God on purpose. We need time to heal, we need some sort of ritual of cleansing, some manner in which to make ourselves (in our own eyes) acceptable again to God. But the way back to prayer must begin as soon as possible, if possible even during the act of sin itself. The sooner we turn ourselves back to face Christ's Light, the sooner we shall drag ourselves out of the depth of our fall.
Remind yourself of those who were waiting in the darkness of hell for Christ's Descent - ask for their desperate desire to be forgiven, pray for their unceasing hope that Light WILL one day find them and bring them back to Life out of the death of their hell. For those who put their trust in Christ, there is always Hope, there is always Love, there is always a way back to repentance and Life.
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The video 'I HAVE SINNED. HOW DO I DRAG MYSELF OUT OF SIN AND BACK TO PRAYER? HOW SOON CAN I ASK FORGIVENESS?' was recorded by Fr Seraphim Aldea, at Mull Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints), on the Isle of Mull.

[@expressmail1642]

I like this guy.

[@pocketvelero]

Me too.

[@sylwiaipawel6477]

And me...👍🏼

[@pilgrimressurection]

Same

[@nuriacb7880]

It took me almost three years to forgive myself and feel that God has forgiven me.

[@Jadani-vp1lj]

I know how you felt.

[@HollieDepp_85]

This was such a blessing to me this morning. I’m so broken over my sin. I hate that I keep falling, I felt I didn’t even deserve to go to church this morning. 😭 Thank you for this! I am going to church and repenting. Please pray for me! Lord Jesus Christ, Son Of God, have mercy on ME a sinner!!! 😭

[@phredharvey7428]

Lord,I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof; but only say the word and my soul will be healed.

[@Jadani-vp1lj]

The book of Sirach agrees with you, Father: "Do not delay to turn to the Lord, nor postpone it from day to day." - Sirach 5:7.

[@IamN...]

The journey isn't long when you are truly sorry. You will be surprised, just how much forgiveness there is for you. Amen.

[@deb664]

Father, never ever have you not touched my soul and mind with your teachings. I am a convert to Orthodoxy from Catholicism and your teachings have helped me ,finally, to feel the love of Christ and His mercy. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly.

[@jake115577]

You know the human soul very well, Father. Please pray for me.

[@ericgmorgan]

Father Bless!!! Thank you for this teaching. I have wrecked my life with sin. The only peace I have is through prayer, repentance, and tears. I feel so much shame and brokenness. I am so thankful for Christ’s grace and mercy. The depths of my sin is terrifying. Lord have mercy on my sinful soul.

[@kevinegan6311]

Thank you Father. Your thoughts on shame are so helpful. I used to wait to turn to God after my sins because of shame. Thinking that I somehow wasn't worthy. I now thankfully recognize shame prior and during sin as you have mentioned. Especially when I can see the possible shame of a sin prior to committing one, it is such a beautiful thing. As if God is right there protecting me. When I do not listen to his warnings, sad to say which is often, I seek Him immediately and accept his loving forgiveness and understanding. Once I accepted myself as a terrible sinner and stopped thinking so highly of myself, God's love was right there. Bless you and your family at the monastery, your videos are so helpful and bring such peace.

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God for all you are writing, dear Kevin. It gives my heart joy to hear that you are slowly finding more strength in your personal struggles. If you are stronger, my dear brother, I am stronger for your sacrifice. Every single one of us affects the rest of the world through our fall or our standing up before God. Perhaps 'shame' could be something to talk about in more detail at some point. Reading what you wrote, I also realise how important it is to manage this 'tool' properly - it can either build us or take us down. Be blessed, dear one.

[@damijanapipan8668]

@@mullmonastery shame is my topic as well. It would be helpful to hear abou this. I hear about shame before and sfter first time tonight. Thx for your shering 🙏

[@xeniaw.3105]

@@damijanapipan8668 Fr. Stephen Freeman has many blogs on shame, you can find him on Ancient Faith Radio. He is very good.

[@rinseyvessel6523]

This is just what I needed this morning. I struggled to get back to prayer after giving in to a temptation. But I did so and am determined to get to confession as soon as possible. But the shame of the sin is lifted. Thank you sir.

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear Vincent. Fight for your sense of belonging to your Creator. If you stand, I stand through you too and so does the entire world. If you fall, we all fall through you. And the same is true the other way - if you found the strength to return to repentance this time, it is in part because somewhere in the world, unknown to you, someone prayer for you and all of us.

[@MK-pj8wr]

Thank you for this video. I cried out loud when you said that God is never disgusted or ashamed of us regardless of how far we have gotten into our sins.

[@prettypepperable]

Thank you for your continued, "Yes" to our Lord Jesus Christ. I come from a parish where sadly our pastor isn't teaching at this time. God is so much greater than I could ever imagine. I've asked God to pair me up with a good spiritual mentor as I learn how to walk in love with my cross. God answered me, He allowed me to find your videos. Thank you for your teachings. Praise be to God!!! Amen Amen Amen

[@edenghebre5976]

Thank you father praise the Lord to have a father like you Amen Amen Amen 🙏 from Eritrean orthodox Tewahdo

[@lenacrang4025]

Jesus love you so much - Our God is love & mercy

[@remahunt4277]

Amen Father. May God Bless you and the Mull Monastery and His inhabitants.

[@adrianchavez6824]

Your awesome brother.

[@homerdada5533]

amen

[@cata2215]

My husband and I love your talks. We truly feel your heart and love for Christ. You bring tears to my eyes when you bless us.

[@johanandersson2109]

Thank you Dear father for your comfort and spiritual guidance / a Syrian-Orthodox

[@OrthodoxChristianWife]

Thank you Fr. As I shared in email, it's wonderful to be able to come back here and watch these videos. To be called your sister and to receive the blessings. Enjoy the Isles. 🌹

[@robinski5031]

That was a very powerful sermon. I've watched this recording numberous times to keep me strong. Thank you so much for your time and your amazing intellect of God. I look forward everyday to what you have to say. It helps me so much get through the things in life that happen. God Bless you Father Seraphim 🙏📿📿🙏🙏🙏

[@georgyporgy5539]

Great talk, I never even thought it was possible to pray as I sin. I ❤ this, I imagine it would have the power to interrupt my engagement with sin. What great advice 🙏

[@raniafrancis3150]

Your wonderful words like a star 🌟 in my dark grey life. Thank you so much for your hard work. Bless you 🙏

[@mullmonastery]

Dear Rania, you feel that because - to the best of my ability - I try to stay as close to what the Church is teaching us through the many generations of Saints who have lived before us. I feel just like you said too when I hear their words and teaching. May we all be saved through their holy prayers.

[@julieanntoth5676]

Amen🙏

[@kevinmckay6815]

Father you are a blessing to us trying to stay on the path to heaven. You always make this old sinner feel better knowing the Lord is not surprised with our frequent giving into sin and is joyful when we turn to him in prayer begging for forgiveness. Bless you and the rest of the community at Mull Monastery.

[@sorinvalentin9014]

ÎN TOT LOCUL STĂPÂNIRII MELE LAUDĂ SUFLETE AL MEU PE DOMNUL 👍👍👍👍

[@mc-vu4vh]

Parinte Serafim, multumesc enorm pentru acest video. Chiar trec printr-o perioada in care efectiv unele cazaturi parca ma doboara si mai tare, si in sinea mea tot caut sa ma ridic la viata mea de armonie sufleteasca ca si dinainte. Bunul Dumnezeu gaseste cai si uite ca dvs ati raspuns exact la ce ma framanta. Si intr-adevar, ma framanta rusinea fata de promisiunea facuta lui Dumnezeu la spovedanie de a nu cadea in aceleasi pacate. Doamne ajuta parinte !

[@Mariuszzbuj]

Thank you Father Seraphim. Always as I hear you, I get answers from you of my questions. God bless you!

[@mullmonastery]

Glory b to God, dear Mariusz, Who uses everything and everyone, even us at the Monastery on Mull, to help His creation. There are signs, there are lessons, there is teaching everywhere around us - all we need is the eyes to see and the ears to hear. May we all find them, dear one, so we may all be saved.

[@Mariuszzbuj]

@@mullmonastery I have been started lookìng for God aprox 8 years ago. I see today all my life is a way to my God, to my Jesus. But every day I get new question which points me I know nothing and I should follow Jesus through my life with fully trust. But I get same small question: where I should to turn, which direct. I always found the answers in your words come from God I believe. God bless you Father! I really thanks God for this kind of people like you Father

[@417051]

Thank you Father.

[@stephen3511]

Amen.

[@JEROMLAG]

thanks a lot for your words plenty of peace for our souls

[@joshuawebb5891]

Some of the best advice I have received , up to this point , from my priest came to mind while watching this video . He said we can't fight our sinful habits with our own strength , but we must look to , to draw near to Christ . Resist the temptations by drawing near to Christ he said. He uses the analogy of a distracted driver , in that we crash when we do not focus on where we are going . It's a lesson im still learning , but God is patient , and I pray he will show mercy to my thick headedness. A great video as always Father , and God willing I eagerly await the next one .

[@franciscafazzo3460]

Pray for me it's dark life

[@johnpaulhumphrey2981]

This is such a timely video! Thank you so much! When I sin, it feels insincere to pray for forgiveness immediately after sin, I wonder if that is a deception from the Devil in order to keep me from praying as long as possible. This is such a powerful message. To wait till after sin to repent is to assume that you are normally righteousness, instead of me realizing that I am in hell and constantly need God's mercy.

[@captainraven8004]

Thank you Father for putting this critical subject into perspective. I will do as you've said. Thank you again.

[@anthonytorres7177]

Thank you Father

[@popipapadopoulou8557]

Thank you for your love and patience. May our Good Lord bless us all.

[@mullmonastery]

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers, dear Popi. If we all did what was in our power, no matter how small and unimportant it may seem, we would all be so much stronger together, so much closer to God. May we all be blessed, dear one.

[@anthonypeggs2101]

Thank you for this Father. Truly I thought I was the only one who went through this. After I fall, I have this feeling like I can't pray, or that I have to stay away from God until I have Confession. It's a hard struggle. I so desire to return to God, but I have that "frozen" feeling. I've never been able to describe it before now. Then I wonder, what do I pray? The canon for repentance? My own prayers? Then I feel my repentance is so weak. Lord have Mercy on me and help me to Repent. Pray for me Father. Thank you.

[@user-xj2gu7md4q]

I have the same thing I thought I was the only one. May Christ be with you and shine His Devine lIght upon your heart ❤️

[@stpaulphillip]

Thank you for your truthful and encouraging words. I appreciate them very much.

[@lauramariailea4235]

Thank you, dear Father! This video come to me at the proper moment, trying to find out how to not fall into dispair. Usually I pray to Saint Siluan, but that kind of paralising is quite scaring. I hope you feel much better and your mygrene disappeared. I an sure God was the one who inspired you to make this videos, cause they are helping us very much in this confusing period of time. I often think about the wonderful place where the Monastery is and feel like my heart is smiling. God give us hope and courage through these videos! Tha k you! Amen! Amen! Amen 🙏🙏🙏

[@britviking5960]

Amen God Bless you and your Brothers.

[@saint5203]

Shame is a tool for satan. To keep you separated from God. God loves you. Always.

[@martinas8063]

Clear 🌹🙏

[@tonysabell7737]

This video is a God-send. Thank you.

[@cassaundramariac9075]

Thank you Father for a blessed teaching. We need it so much.

[@mullmonastery]

The Church is so generous and so caring in Her teachings, dear Cassaundra. We are the ones who fail, unfortunately, by not looking deep enough or with enough patience for the answers we need to heal our personal wounds. But the medicine is there, ready to embrace and heal us all. Take good care, dear one.

[@dustinwalker8152]

Thank you Fr. Seraphim

[@simeonmallette1]

A very timely video. Thank you and may God bless all you do.

[@mullmonastery]

Dear Simeon, please keep me and the Monastery in your prayers. We all need the help and support of those in our lives. May we all be blessed, my dear one.

[@gabrielacoada6939]

Va multumesc parinte! Mult ajuta aceste invataturi, despre ridicarea din pacat, odata ce am cazut. Felul in care explicați, ne da nadejde si curaj de a o lua de la inceput de fiecare data cand, din cauza neputinței si a firii noastre pacatoase si plina de patimi, cadem. Ar fi extraordinar daca ati putea face aceste video-uri si in limba romana, pentru ca mai sunt persoane care nu cunosc engleza si le-ar fi de mare folos duhovnicesc invataturile dumneavoastra. Dumnezeu si Maica Domnului sa va binecuvanteze, sa va intareasca si sa va mantuiasca! Ma iertati si binecuvantati, parinte!

[@andreigl]

Thanks! Mulțumesc!

[@Mary-ui4im]

Amen Father!!!

[@rdbare4216]

Exactly what I needed! I have a lot of trouble and in fact am defeated I have a feeling that the Christian version of God does not care for victims but prefers to absolve abusers over healing their targets, and has minimal concern for justice, which seems to be a dirty word in Christianity. In fact I feel that God himself is a bully. This is extinguishing my spiritual life as a Christian. I try when I’m not too angry but this is bigger than I.

[@kaybrown4010]

This is essential for me. 🙏🏻 Thank you.

[@harrisonsanford6131]

I absolutely needed to hear this. Your words give me true courage and strength. Thank you very much Father. Know that I pray for you and your Monastery. God bless.

[@ralph7545]

Your words are soothing and inspiring. I enjoy your teachings of the Word. May your channel be blessed. Thank you Father.

[@MrIoanparaschiv]

Thank you Father Seraphim! God bless you as well and your monastic brothers and sisters at and around the Mull Monastery. Doamne ajută!

[@brentgarner3143]

Thank you for speaking about the love and grace of God. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner

[@franciscafazzo3460]

I'm in the hell of darkness and repetitive sin

[@martinniceski4032]

Thank you father god bless you!

[@lizsalmon533]

Thank you Fr Seraphim for your message today, a powerful and truthful message of faith, hope and trust. I ask our blessed mother Mary for your protection and our Lord Jesus Christ to bless you all. I am a child of God and he loves me. Amen.

[@joachimpissarro5152]

What a perfect and blessed homily on the first day of the week of the Publican and the Pharisee. Thank you, Father!

[@keithb1268]

Again a most timely heart provoking message. Thank you Father and I will be taken your messages with me on my lenten journey this year (Catholic). Peace

[@amybastock8370]

Thank you, Father. This homily was an answer to prayer. ❤️

[@franciscafazzo3460]

My life has been vain empty feeding on ashes being on lies feeling uncleanness what shall I pray and how shall I behold who shall deliver me from such great bondage and terror and anguish such anguish please pray for me all tell me what to do please heal me Jesus my words are vanity

[@tiffanykwasigroch9567]

Thank you. This helped me immensely.

[@skyback1]

Slava Domnului ca am ajuns ziua sa aud aceste sfaturi ! Acum cativa ani, cand am vorbit cu parintele duhovnic si ii spuneam ca exista o tendinta de a-mi plange pacatele inca nefacute,chiar inainte ca acestea sa se petreaca, el a spus ca nu exista asa ceva... Mare mi-a fost dezamagirea ca intelegere nu am gasit. Multumesc din inima !

[@LOOLAMIA]

Perfect timing! I so needed to hear those words. Somehow it finally occured to me that, ideed, God is nothing but Love and Satan being the oposite of He who is, is nothingness. Already defeated! Plus what a blessing!:) Thank you father!

[@mmaakkiinn]

Amen..Thank you Fr.Seraphim 🙏✝️🙏

[@brentgarner3143]

Amen Father thank you, get back to prayer to boldly approach the throne of grace in our time of need Amen yes and amen

[@jamesmikkelson7636]

Amazing how it seems I receive exactly what I need listening to you Fr. God bless you and your monastery!

[@lyna6203]

Thank you Father for explaining how the enemy schemes against us, you always teach us something important in these videos. You are a wonderful support to us all in these days. God bless you and your brothers.

[@shouftas]

Very true. Waiting wouldn't make much sense. But I can understand the reason and struggle with the question. There seems to be some need in us to prove God by some significant effort on our end that we are actively trying to end the sin before going to ask God.

[@zacharylowreyna]

This was very beautiful and powerful, thank you. Although I have heard it all my life, it still surprises me to realize that God loves me and is with me even in the moment of sin. Typically when I find myself in sin I push God away because I feel unworthy and I think that if I push him away he will not see. But this is foolish--God sees everything. And it closes me off from the grace I need precisely at that moment. This also reminds me of a story I once heard: A thin but precious thread attaches each of us to God. Sin severs this thread, but the moment it is cut God reaches down to tie it back together as long as we reach up with our end. In the end, it is the sinner who finds him or herself closer to God because of all the knots in the thread. Thanks!

[@JaythePandaren]

Hello Father. I did what you did and I feel peace within myself. A feeling of peace like I was right with God.

[@myadorablejesus9205]

Thank you fr God reward you

[@nonamilitaru3204]

Doamne ajuta ,multumim pentru fiecare cuvant ce il rostiti cu atata dragoste si atata putere

[@brentgarner3143]

Thank Glory to God for putting the Canon of Repentance on KZbin

[@angelos6007]

Hello Father i wish you all the best , i try to pray but i don’t think it is with repentance inside i try not to overthink but i do , i try to fast but i forget , i sin every day and have fallen into the traps of the enemy what can i do to strengthen my prayer how can i see from the deep of my heart ? God bless you 🙏🏼☦️

[@rositaabrew1811]

Thank you Father Seraphim. Words I needed to hear to reassure me. May God continue to bless you with His wisdom and with good health.

[@carltonpoindexter2034]

God bless you Father for posting this.

[@nigelbooth7460]

Thank you, Amen.

[@19snoopy64]

Thank you. x

[@ernestolpe]

I feed my prayers with fasting.....

[@Mystic-ql7qg]

Another message of hope. Thank you.

[@steveanderson5718]

Bless, Father.

[@kathyloukie2683]

Thank you. I needed this today. You answered my question l was asking myself today. God bless you.

[@dawnb7972]

Wonderful message. I dropped to my knees. Thank you!

[@cw4246]

thank you thank you thank you.

[@Cannedporkchops]

These videos help me reorient myself. Thank you.

[@annmarie4794]

May God bless you. A beautiful sermon that hit me in the heart. You are a blessed soul whose doing our Lords work. I give praise to God that there are his warriors that speak to us the truth. Thank you.

[@kidistiamaniel6524]

Father hello 👋 nice to hear that thank you 🙏🏾 for sharing this video with God bless for all of us amen amen amen

[@littlesoul8908]

Now, forgive me that i add some thoughts to this beautiful video. It went through my head during listening. Do you remember what did Adam and Eve when they committed a sin? They hid themselves. What did God do? He asked: Where are you? Not because He did not know but He wanted Adam to reflect on his own inner state, where he is now.... and later on, what God did? He made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them..... Gn 3,21 What an act of love and understanding from our God! He himself is covering our nakedness..... Ingrained in us is this longing for a beautiful spiritual life, to be beautiful for God. But our God is not interested in our ''achievements'' but in our humble standing before Him. The shame which we feel after we sinned, the disgust which we have for ourselves, might be the exact means which should bring us to Him in truth and trust. Accept this feeling is part of our penance. It protects us from pride - this feelings as being a spiritual failure, this utter poverty of spirit - because what is that disgust with ourselves than to find out that we are not so nice as we thought about ourselves? It takes us to the core truth about ourselves and God. ''No one is good except God alone.'' (Lk 18, 19) We have no holiness of our own. The only way how to stand before God is that of our state of total bankruptcy, utter poverty, shabbiness and all our hope to anchor in Him, because after all, we are not going to save ourselves, only He can do it..... As father Seraphim said, do it as quickly as possible, even in the midst of a sin......O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

[@marcokite]

off topic a bit, but those 2 large Ikons are so beautiful.

[@RobertSmith-tx9jn]

Thank you father , I know that when I have fallen I'm asked why should God forgive you? look at the sin you've committed .God has turned his back to you. I've learned not to listen. Although I've fallen I pray I may feel empty but I pray.

[@madrahal]

Thank you Fr Seraphim. What does it mean for you to speak while holding the cross?

[@ionvoiculet3210]

🙏

[@ritakevorkian8745]

Please pray for me

[@pdstor]

I just say "Lord have mercy on me a sinner." Whether you are struggling with anger and judgment (like I am), with extramarital or nonmarital fornication or the solitary sin, etc,, getting drunk or high, getting in fist fights at the local pub or with your mates, being neglectful of prayer, engaging in blasphemy, letting Church go to neglect, being apathetic, whatever it may be - just pray "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner" as soon as you feel even the smallest amount of guilt or disconnection from God. And remember the enemy can send guilt about one sin to cover up others ...

[@SpyridonJohn1633]

I'm Orthodox, and know the accurate greeting is "your blessing, Father" but seeing as I'm self-excommunicated (by way of being in a commited Homosexual relationship, but that's another story) and the nearest active Church is a 5-6 hour drive, with no vehicle....hi suffices. Hope things at your Monastery are well, and blessed. A lot of exposition, but here's a situation I just went through: I had an atheist friend who, while possessing a wonderful outlook on life and a killer sense of humour, also is one of the most insidious narcissists around. I've tried to grin and bear it but tonight....(having a great many other things I keep inside as well) I lost it on her. Even going so far as to say "Than I have no qualms saying this: since you mimic their way of existence, and offer vague justification and manipulation that you think we won't notice because you think everyone's dumber than you: get out of my house, you self-centered demon." Of course I know this is heinous, and though this happened only half an hour ago, I'm still a little shaken. Bear in mind I had addressed these issues I have with her on numerous occasions, but only to be told I'm wrong with no proof I am. It's been going on for over 2.5 years. People will be people, we're all fallen, and for sure I did not speak in love, but bottled up anger. Here's the question? How does one not do what I just did? Is there a better way to deal with people who are actively both self-absorbed, but also successfully lie to not only everyone else, bit more so themselves? How should I have handled it, so that my pent up impressions and emotions don't boil over? Pray for me, a sinner.

[@Jadani-vp1lj]

Dear Dallas, I'll pray for you tonight in my prayers. It's never too late for you, God will never stop loving you, no matter what you've done. Turn back, and if you don't think you can, ask for the desire to turn back- He can change everything. Don't worry about the details, about where you'll live, work, or what you'll do- He'll take care of all that, just come back to Him. He'll put the right people on your path.

[@milkamustakylytar5204]

T h a n k y o u . you are giving us R e s c u i n g teaching speeches . 🕊

[@madrahal]

Fr, one more question. Can you please address how to avoid abusing God’s forgiveness?

[@kathymaxted6151]

Pray for me :'(