Why is prayer SO HARD for me? Sometimes it feels IMPOSSIBLE TO PRAY.

Prayer is 'the art of arts and the highest science'. Prayer is hard, it is exhausting and it will slowly burn the sinful parts of your being. This is why prayer is naturally painful and extremely difficult. In its perfect form, prayer is impossible for our fallen selves, but it becomes possible by grace (for the Saints) and in Christ's Kingdom, when we shall finally experience the full potential of our human nature.
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The video 'Why is prayer SO HARD for me? Sometimes it feels IMPOSSIBLE TO PRAY.' was recorded by Fr Seraphim (Aldea) at Mull Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints), on the Isle of Mull.

[@mullmonastery]

To support our Monastery and the work we do: mullmonastery.com/donation/ For icons, prayer ropes and pilgrimages to the Scottish Isles: shop.mullmonastery.com Thank you for your support. You keep us alive and able to keep doing the work we do. May God bless you.

[@davidhensley76]

Blessed Fr. Seraphim, your discussions and gentleness are a soothing balm in a cold & hard world.

[@mullmonastery]

My dear David, glory be to God that there is anything any of us can do to help someone else in this world. Where we fall individually, we can stand together, by the grace of Christ: 'where two or three are gathered in My Name' (please consider editing your comment to remove the first word; it makes me very uncomfortable and it genuinely is wrong; but thank you for the actual content of your comment, it means a lot to us)

[@davidhensley76]

@@mullmonastery At your request I'll change it to "Blessed".

[@gretagarbo1119]

@@mullmonastery So gentle,yet so powerful.Thank You,Fr.!It really means a lot.God be with You always!You are very much loved❤🙏

[@Music-Visually]

'When we knock we know that Christ will answer. Prayer is hard'. Bless you Father for this wisdom. When I was a young adult, my prayer became an obsessive, repetitive daily ritual that caused me angst. I realized somehow that there was more, that Christ should be there in the centre. Just now I am gradually finding my path to Christ. 🙏🙏🙏

[@nassergabriel4778]

I'm Protestant and your videos explain things in such ways that I'm rejoicing.

[@tiffanyg1088]

I struggle with prayer but I know that some saints have struggled. I keep trying because my life can’t be based around feelings. Thank you 🙏. I’m Catholic and I appreciate your videos.

[@omnius28]

I am Catholic as well, and I agree. Everything Fr. Seraphim says resonates to me through Christ!

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you, dear Tiffany. Knowing that emotions should not rule your spiritual life is a huge gift - glory be to God for having granted you that discernment. Please keep me and the Monastery in your prayer, dear one.

[@doobat708]

Same here. Heard from a lot of people who are wanting to or are on their way to maturing their faith that the experience this.

[@acidicsalt7214]

Hi Roman Catholic here as well. I struggled praying a lot when I was a child though due to personal issues I ended up distancing myself from the church and Christ (and forgetting some of the prayers). I discovered Fr. Seraphim's channel last month and this channel is slowly encouraging me to get back into my religion but it is going to be a long process for me. Very glad that KZbin recommended me his channel ✝️🙏🏼💛.

[@deirdrelewis1454]

I’m 75 years old and still struggle with prayer. Two things I heard many years ago keep me motivated. Pray as you can, not as you can’t: and “help” is good prayer…it’s short, to the point and very effective. I don’t know if this will help anyone else but it has certainly helped me.

[@MarkoZorecHimself]

I'm Catholic. Pure love comes from your mouth. And the truth. God bless you with peace that passes all understanding, dear father Seraphim…

[@desertsunset8025]

"Nothing we do out of love is wasted." That is so precious, Father . Your awesome 🙏!! I think God listens to even the simplest prayer .

[@patar1494]

Thank you so very much for this. My world is falling apart and I’m eternally grateful for this encouragement.

[@saint5203]

Be obedient to God's word and your life will change.

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless you, dear Patar. May the new world, hiding just behind the one which is falling apart, may that new world be FULL of grace, joy and blessedness. I believe that Christ will bless you a hundredfold over.

[@johntuffin3262]

I am very sorry you’re in a bad place. I am sending you all the encouragement I can.

[@Bravetowers]

Former SDA. Thank you for this.

[@Sequoiassunflowers]

I am not Orthodox but over the years I have always found your videos so helpful even in my early walk with Christ. You truly have a heart for the Lord Jesus Christ and it shows

[@Chris-we8vt]

i am an orthodox Christian since birth but I had a lot of struggles in my life until now. i want to thank you very much because you have helped my a lot. I listen to your videos very often and I enjoy them a lot.

[@eddiedelisio]

My first meeting with Orthodox Priest I was given a prayer book. Orthodox liturgy service is like a prayer the entire time. Orthodoxy gives its adherents the ability to pray properly and the gifts of connection it bestows. Glory to God

[@gnarlsley]

I find my ego getting in the way of my ability to pray more often than not. It has been a long journey dismantling the ego, but the dregs still linger.

[@justsomerando718]

I have just been exposed to orthodoxy and ever since I've seen this channel it seems every time I'm struggling with something I find a new video of yours that describes exactly what I've been going through and helps me, God bless you and all of the work you do

[@grindversity_]

For me personaly when i cant pray, i know that the evil one doesn't want me to face god, beacose he wants me to be a slave to him not to almighty God him self. Dear Serafim and everyone reading this message please, please pray for each and every one to defeat him once and for all. Thank you♥️

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless and protect you, dear one. Stay strong, hold on to your faith and your patience. They WILL bring forth their fruit in due time.

[@grindversity_]

@mullmonastery I will, thank you for every video you made, may god bless all of us♥️

[@kingkoi6542]

God bless you!

[@ioanaradu6106]

Mulțumim din suflet Părinte drag Serafim! Blândețea și dragostea pentru tot omul,smerenia și îndemnul ferm în același timp pentru rugăciune, ne atinge sufletul, îl mângâie! Dumnezeu sa va răsplătească,sa va binecuvinteze! Vă avem în rugăciune! Doamne, ajută!

[@mateivasilache6063]

Many thanks and much love from Romania

[@mkeenan1955]

Thank you Father for those encouraging words on prayer. Yes, it is a struggle to ‘keep your eye on the ball’. Christ is the ball. It’s a struggle to be in this world and not of it. Yes, we are just passing through this world. I will remember you in my prayers, dear Father. God bless you.

[@jalildragneel2674]

Father, as a Catholic, I am happy to see your work, because it helps us all Catholics, Orthodox and you are even penetrating hardened minds and hearts of our protestant brothers. Thanks for your work.

[@avamina3973]

True words! Our generation has the sobering and saving words of our Elder Siluan from Mount Athos “ keep your mind in hell and don’t despair”. Complementary to his words are the words of his disciple elder Sophrony from Essex “if you’re standing at the edge of the abyss and feel like you can not endure it anymore, take a step back and make yourself a cup of tea”. Stay in Christ, no matter what, put your hope and everything you have into Him. Search for the truth, think, read, feel, compare, decide. You are not alone!

[@etcwhatever]

Going to confession helped me handle this period of difficulty in prayer better. Maybe it helps other brothers and sisters. Im very happy to see this answer to the question even if some of us are not orthodox. Im catholic. Thank you so much.

[@shivermetimber6738]

I enjoy your videos and I’m Roman Catholic. 🙏🏻

[@DF-fo9bh]

Me too. They’re our brothers.

[@Docpowel]

Same God bless the Orthodox Church 🙏🏼

[@etcwhatever]

@@DF-fo9bh yes they are. Im catholic also. I recommend you read on Saint Paisios...hes an impressive orthodox saint. The advise of Month Athos elders...its like a light bulb lightens it really helps.

[@radamanthus]

God bless you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. The stillness you help bring to me is always welcome.

[@dianeleeder3438]

Thank you, Father. I am Orthodox, following years in Anglican church. This described so well the reality, of how Christ brings the sword to stir us...and in the past, I was so confused when I felt outside of the so called joy and peace that others appeared to have, and I was frequently told that I wasn't walking with the Lord. I love how you show us how to walk and "hold hands" with others, to break down division. You and yours are in my prayers. Penelope, my Orthodox name.

[@mritchie85]

Good to join you at the end of the week, praying for the Monastery and hoping for my own clarity of mind and judgement in this confusing world we live in.

[@mullmonastery]

I know what you mean, dear Mark. By Wednesday, my mind is already getting prepared, and my prayer is already focused on asking for a word. These weekly talks, difficult as they still are for me, have built a beautiful community amongst all of us. Glory be to God for that.

[@youniahawel8608]

Awesome explanation and talk as always thank you Father seraphim

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear Younia. That is very kind of you, thank you for that encouragement.

[@nycsandhog147]

Father Seraphim, thank you for your teachings. This teaching on prayer is very powerful, and stirred my spirit. I am a practicing Roman Catholic. From the Catholic Church I learned the absolute importance and necessity of prayer, and I took it to heart. But I struggled. It is from Eastern Orthodoxy that I learned HOW to pray. I told my own Parish priest this in a private discussion. He laughed and basically said, "Who doesn't?" God Bless you.

[@jalildragneel2674]

Not all priests are the same, some have greater knowledge and some may have a deeper experience in their faith, I am also Catholic, and I also struggle with prayer, one of the priests here told me to do small simple prayer every day in the morning... And I also watch fr. Seraphim, since Orthodox church are our brothers in faith, his approach is different but not contrary to Catholic faith unlike protestantism which is opposed.

[@mateivasilache6063]

This means a lot to me

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God, dear Matei. It means a lot to know that we can help each other

[@mikebaker2436]

"...when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret." (Matthew 6:6) There is practical utility in doing this literally. Also, the room of the person is the heart and the door of the heart closes itself off to all these external distractions (the senses, what other people are doing and how you are doing compared to them, worldly cares, temptations, other distracting thoughts, etc). In my personal experience, the majority of my time praying is actually me forcing that door of the heart shut to be with God in secret. Even though I am terrible at it and it takes all of my time and effort, I am at least doing what Christ has told me to do as best as I can. Sometimes we have to pray before we can actually pray. Sometimes that process is longer than we want it to be in order to teach us patient endurance. Occasionally, people have complimented my extenally apparent focus during prayer or complained to me (or to others about me) that they are worse at prayer than me. I uncontrollably laught at them in response. How do they know? They certainly must not be aware of the battle that I experience to reduce the noise of my sin. None of this useless comparison matters. Obedience to Christ matters. I do not pray because it is easy or because I am good at it. I do not pray because I am a good Christian. I do not pray to get anything out of it. I pray because God has told me to pray. That is enough. "Lord have mercy on me, a sinner... God help me... Christ have mercy... Lord, I am weak and need help... Lord, how many are my spiritual foes... God, create a clean heart in me and renew my spirit... Jesus Christ, have mercy on me... God heal me..." constantly like this directing my mind deep into my heart with sighs and tears. For 12 years now I have prayed this way. It has been more than a decade of struggle working out my salvation with fear and trembling like this. In the Scriptures, how long did the patriarchs and prophets wait for answers or deliverence? How long did Isreal weep and struggle in captivity and deserts? How long did Simeon wait in the temple to see Christ? Patience. Endurance. With these examples, I go into the Holy Spirit's temple which is my body, I enter the room of my heart, I fight to shut the door behind me, and I wait.... God does not lie: Christ will come at the correct time. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Truly humble yourself and you will receive the gift of consolation when God chooses to give that gift. (James 4:8-10)

[@SDOV8]

I am a Catholic and you are a great source of nourishment for my spiritual growth. Praise God.

[@ericp1446]

What you are saying is the truth, i am a Roman Catholic i will be obedient to God and His Holy Catholic Church until The Father calls me and i will never willingly want to be in error or profess heresy. But again, what you speak is the truth thank you for making these videos. AVE CRISTOS REX

[@mikebaker2436]

(Luke 18:9-14) The prayer of the Pharisee that lifts the ego to the heavens is easy and superficially rewarding... but ultimately useless. The prayer of the Publican is difficult, humbling, and raw. Christ said of the one who struggled to pray (but prayed nonetheless), "...this man went down to his home justified." The home of the man is deep in his heart.

[@lindsaycarter5462]

Though I am not Orthodox and cannot always grasp what is discussed, I love this channel and seeing the common ground in the love of Christ--and hearing about common struggles. Coming from a Protestant background, the preference is usually improvisational prayer rather than liturtigal or written, but during a very difficult dry season I discovered the Jesus Prayer and found comfort in it. And even so something seemingly simple, that simple prayer can be agonizingly difficult at times--especially when feeling sorrowful or discouraged about a situation. Faith can be a challenging race to run, but keep going! Avez de l'espérance ! Blessings

[@mkeenan1955]

I was just thinking: I hope Fr Seraphim addresses the subject of the Jesus Prayer. I started practicing it only a few years ago. It’s unceasing nature is so hard to do, to get it into your heart, not just your brain.

[@etcwhatever]

Jesus prayer is biblical. Which i know is very important for protestant people. Do you know the book Accounts of a Russian Pilgrim? It talks about the Jesus Prayer and the healing power of reading the Gospels.

[@kingkoi6542]

God bless you!

[@kingkoi6542]

I gotta say I don't really know how to pray, or there are parts of prayer that I hold far more in priority for instance peace and forgiveness. This makes me feel a bit guilty when I do "pray" because I don't know all of it or don't see it's use, and am reminded of Jesus saying to not pray like the Pagans. Which makes me end up shying away from prayer...

[@km_6181]

I am absolutely speechless. Thank you so so much for this upload.

[@godislove5568]

+Through the prayers of our Holy Father's LORD JESUS CHRIST OUR GOD have mercy on us and save us

[@poobread8885]

I needed this so bad, very opportune, I ask these questions too often recently. Thank you.

[@gallionade]

Thank you, dear Father

[@propalitet9611]

Mr. Seraphim I am a Christian from when i was baptised as a baby but just now (I am 27) I starter a walk with Christ ! Please pray for me and my family I am feeling the hole of emptines in my chest beeing filled little by little with Christ , reading the bible and doing my best to share love , to love every living thing and compress hate in my heart .. Please pray for me I am Petar Rakicevic from Serbia I have 2 daughters that i consider gift from god because i prayed for baby girls and he gave them to me .. I cry every time I feel the presence of Jesus love taking over my heart when i hold them and love then with my whole beeing! I love your honesty and love in your every word !

[@errael]

Thank you Fr Seraphim, I needed to hear this today 🙏

[@chanting_germ.]

I love you so much Fr. Aldea. The Holy Spirit surely has moved you to where you are for us today. Pray for me, the sinner.

[@sadieayoub5653]

Thank you Fr Seraphim ☦️ Please remember us in your prayers ☦️

[@American-Jello]

I just saw the interview you did 2 years ago on the Gospel Simplicity channel, and I am so very grateful to find that your monastery has a channel, and you're making videos! I just commented there how much I wish to learn from someone such as you, and praise be to God, here you are! To the writer of the letter: You are not alone, friend! I, too, struggle greatly with prayer. I am so easily distracted, and I doubt myself constantly with what I should say, how I should say it, and by the time I've chastised myself about my lack of substance, I've forgotten, again, to actually do the praying. Then I beat myself up again. I completely understand how you feel. Do not feel like you're the only one in your church feeling this way. I'd be willing to bet there are quite a few others who are also struggling, that are also embarrassed and put on a good show in church. We must keep trying. I'll make sure to say a prayer for you tonight, and I hope you will for me as well. We will make progress, I have faith. Many blessings.

[@slavi7191]

So true. Prayer is difficult most of the time for me, too, especially when things are going well in my life. You're not alone by any means.

[@julias.4894]

I don't even have enough words to thank you... I've had so many doubts about this for a while now and you've clarified everything. My faith has been renewed. Again, thank you very much. Please keep making more videos. Greetings from a Brazilian Catholic!

[@valeskaharraud9856]

Thank you so very much for this talk. I have been discouraged that my prayers and prayer life are worthless in the heart of God. I am encouraged to continue to strive to be in the presence of God, seeking Him, not what He can do for me. 🙏🏻

[@atroutflycrazy8057]

Thankyou fr Seraphim, some excellent wisdom and guidance , I came from mainly a protestant background and many yrs a go in my spiritual immaturity I disregarded christian faith outside of protestant teaching, many years later and spiritually deeper I understood God works in and through everyone who belong to him regardless of labels. Unity of the spirit is best known in diversity. I'm sorry also you have had negative comments on here , I like the depth of your understanding in christian experience . Thankyou it helps and blesses me greatly and may God multiply it back to abundantly 🙏 😊

[@Patty-sd8uh]

Feel this way many times . Goi g to a new church on Sunday. Thank u for this message Gods blessings richly upon you!

[@mullmonastery]

God bless you too, dear Patty. Keep searching, dear one. Keep knocking. Sooner or later, when He knows the time is right, Christ WILL answer and open the right door for you. Keep searching and have courage; while you are searching, He will guard and protect you.

[@Patty-sd8uh]

@@mullmonastery thank you so very much! Precious words and I receive them all! You are a blessing to be a blessing !

[@MagdalaSings21819]

Thank you for the reminder that just because it may be difficult doesn’t mean we are necessarily doing it wrong. Praying for you and all the brothers and sisters at the monastery and your continued ministry. Your videos mean so much to me. Thank you.

[@adelinacod5683]

Doamne iarta pacatele noastre! Amin 🙏

[@ChopinIsMyBestFriend]

I am a former atheist. Although I’m scared to go to make the first move to go to church. I used to go to various churches for certain periods. but after 11 I lost God. I chose to lose God. But at 22 I chose to find God again. I’ve learned a lot. I’m 23. I don’t really know who to go to. Peace be with you.

[@artdanks4846]

Praying for you, Mattiyahu, that God will show you where He wants you.

[@patredman3733]

You will probably never see this dear Fr Seraphim but from the start I just burst into tears at the love the Spirit manifests through your message, it went straight to my heart. May God draw you ever closer to Himself, that you become one in Him just as our dear Saviour is.

[@Michelle_wald]

I’ve downloaded quite a few of your videos and dear Fr Seraphim I just wanted to say listening to your advice and wisdom is like a symphony of beauty, tranquility and absolute clarity. New sub and definitely a huge fan of your channel. God bless you 📿🙏🏼💯🤍

[@charlestonscnative9083]

Thank you for sharing this with us. 🙏

[@mullmonastery]

Glory be to God for all good things, dear one.

[@danielbitsch-during5936]

Glory to God for this reflection, beloved father Seraphim! It is better for us to die in our struggle, than to live in our fall.

[@Anthony.Mathai]

Hi father, I love the connections you make in your videos (the basic prayer being like a parent talking to the embryo), would you make a video on despair and how it affects the prayer life negatively? It feels like, to me, there is no point in doing it after a while when I return to sin, because it’s happened over and over again to the point where I fall into despair.

[@ChristopherRivers277]

Do not despair that you have fallen again and again for forgiveness has risen from the grave! - Orthodox saint

[@mullmonastery]

My dear Anthony, I know exactly what you mean, from my own experience.I'll ask God for a word and we'll see. In the meantime, hold on to your prayer - it may only amount to 'two coins', but the two coins of the widow were sacrifice received by Christ. Take courage from that, my dear one.

[@bn142]

In the Roman Catholic tradition a great emphasis is placed on inviting the Holy Spirit to help us pray. This may well be for all these reasons, you explain so beautifully here. Meditating on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary can also work small miracles (which is in some sense a mental exercise, to focus on Holy Scripture). Although this devotion may be specific to Catholicism, I think the Orthodox Traditions also emphasise how important Mary is to help us. Praying for prayer, and inviting angels and Saints to help, does work. We cannot do it alone. But we also are not alone in this!

[@jonmati778]

Good work God bless you all in Christ

[@leo11190]

Your channel brings me so much peace. So grateful for you and all that you teach us. Thank you🙏🏽

[@johnxland9373]

Oh Most Precious Blood of Jesus descend on us and convert all the sinners and the enemies of the Church.

[@mihabenn]

❤️Doamne ajutã pentru toate rugaciunile, pentru ele mai suntem pe vericalã Thank you for all the prayers, Father! May God receive them!

[@mariedundas3516]

i am catholic but we beleive in the same christ and i love listening to you thank you.

[@tony49055]

I love your teaching my friend, while I Am not Orthodox, I do think we somewhat speak the same language as we both have the beautiful Spirit of God, but I understand what you are saying. Yes pray is a labor, a labor of love, if we pray when we don’t want to, there is a reward, we are emptied of ourselves and our focus is re-aligned to him, and of course we pray for those things we need. Much love and blessing! ❤❤❤

[@ritakevorkian2649]

Thank you Father for this important topic

[@mullmonastery]

May God bless us all, dear Rita

[@Iloveyoujesus111]

Thank you for your video. I’m of another denomination and still I gain much insight from you and you help me with my confidence in my prayer life. Pay no heed to the negative comments, it’s my belief that many of the comments are computer generated with a goal of causing division amongst religious. If that’s not the case then they originate not from love and therefore should rightly be completely ignored. You taught me to do the same regarding the not responding to Satan in prayer :) God bless you! May Jesus unite us all from the many different starting points that each and every one of us begin from. With much love ❤

[@Didina.Claudia]

Oh God yes,it's sooo difficult to pray,it's exhausting as a continuous fight and fight and fight !!!

[@susannemyall7699]

Thank you and God bless you Fr Seraphim 🙏 🙏🙏💐

[@lindamcauley4728]

Thank you. God bless you 🙏

[@remahunt4277]

Thank you dear Father Aldea, for sharing your wisdom with all of us. It is embedded in a humble and beautiful heart and soul. One could probably reach into your heart forever, and never would your hand come out empty. Please be careful in your travels. God Bless you mightily.

[@Docpowel]

You are a blessing. May God be with you ✝️🙏🏼

[@vince3292]

Thank you Father Seraphim for another beautiful, profound Sermon. Your Holy words and instructions are always as ‘Clear as Crystal’ for me.💫 And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful, touching story about your Grandparents, always lighting a simple candle as a prayer to our Dear Lord and Saviour. And what amazing loving powers from heaven manifested from the light of their lit candle. As I am most certain this simple gesture to Our Dear Lord was an important catalyst in helping form your Holy Priesthood.💫 🙏🙏🙏

[@beingfrank40]

Thank you for this- it helps me because I can get very hard on myself sometimes, and you helped put the ability to pray in perspective. I enjoy your style of teaching...your humbleness informs your knowledge and delivery, in my humble opinion.

[@toddcarver1430]

Wisdom. Thank you and God bless you.

[@JesusistheTruth9]

I am evangelical and I like to watch their videos very much, I would like to become Orthodox because I want to make Jesus everything in my life and and the Orthodox Church is the true one

[@forwhatitsworthwithHolli]

God bless you and I love your encouraging words 💓🙏😊

[@josephbrandenburg4373]

You love to talk about the saints. I don't know anything about saints. Do you have a recommendation about how to begin learning the most important basics? Thank you.

[@constanceconstance2555]

Always look forward to hearing what you haveto say... God bless

[@TaaviTuisk]

God bless you my dear Brother. I have prayed that i may pray better, i have prayed to love people like Christ does. Little steps, but it works and even these little steps are profound compared to what was before.

[@theconnecticutriverdocumentary]

Thank you Father Seraphim.

[@bethanscotford6755]

Father Bless, Thank you for your insights and advice regarding the discipline and experience of prayer in this week's video. I am not an Orthodox at the moment, but I am on a journey of some deep renewal as regards my faith and prayer discipline, as the result of my exploring the Orthodox Faith ; its saints and their teaching, by attending the Liturgy and by establishing a regular , daily time for prayer and Bible reading. Prayer is difficult but I was initially inspired by Bp Anthony Bloom's early books on prayer - School for Prayer and Living Prayer. His explaining that prayer is a critical encounter between God, supreme goodness, love and mercy, and ourselves; it demands on our part an attitude of genuine humility before God in prayer. He reminds us that we must be like the humble 'humus' - the earth, the dust, when we approach God, but at the same time, approach with respectful fear and fervent love. Later, I read St Sophrony's volume entitled 'His Life is Mine' which I found so enriching, inspiring, and difficult at first but so deeply helpful. I particularly love his prayer for the morning, on page 61 of the book. This prayer was foundational for me for some time indeed. It repays reflecting and praying personally on the petitions he offers. Alongside St Sophrony I am reading about the life and teaching of Staretz Silouan of Mt Athos- .his teaching is so direct, clear and challenging. I understand the need we have to nurture the 'God- flame, the spirit' within us; to develop this gift, to encourage it to grow and develop within us in order to slowly transform our selves into a closer likeness to the image of God stamped within us. The synergy between God the Spirit and the person who is praying is a vital and intrinsic activity born of prayer. This venture into Orthodoxy is a real spiritual journey, an adventure and an treasured enriching of my life. My steps so far have been small and timid, but I feel that ' I am in the right room' as regards my renewed faith -thanks be to God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. I include a quote and my addition t St Sophrony's prayer: p 64 'His Life is Mine'. Journey's end - the soul approaches the judgement seat:- 'Cleanse thou me from secret faults, from all iniquity that is hid in me: and give me a right answer before the judgement seat. 'O Christian Soul, what do you seek?' 'Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' In Christ.

[@dumitruedelean59]

Sărut mâna, părinte! Mulțumim! Doamne ajută!

[@mvj1153]

Thank You! 🙏🏽

[@julieanntoth5676]

Thank you Father Seraphim 🙏🕊🇭🇺☦️✝️🇺🇸🌟

[@AnMaCARTIORTODOXE]

Doamne ajuta !!

[@luljaime1855]

Your blessing Father, hope that you are well. A Blessed New Year. I just want to thank you, an eternal thank you :), for this amazing video. May God grant you Many Many years Father and everything that you ask from Him . Have seen you twice at Holy Protection Church in NYC, many years ago, hope to visit the Monastery too. My name is Christina , please remember me in your holy prayers. Thank you Father.

[@AnastasiaTheConvert]

Thank you for your wisdom and helping me understand that prayer can also be lighting just a candle or a prostration. For me, It’s easy to feel tired and just not be in the mood to pray after years of living a secular and selfish way. When I feel this way, I at least do the sign of the cross and The Our Father. Just this month starting Jan 1, began to pray daily, once and/or twice a day. I’ve been on the Orthodox path since 2021 and just chrismated June 2022. It will eventually come to you with God’s grace and help of Holy Spirit. 🙏

[@gretagarbo1119]

Thank You,Dear,Dear Fr.Seraphim!I wish I could grow more!We shall see Him as He is.I pray to You,Merciful Lord,grant all the peoples of the earth to know You through the Holy Spirit,and learn Your love.🙏❤

[@jonmati778]

The Holy spirit from All mighty God him self who will fill owr heart with love and understanding hombil beeing, grase, to be more like God, in Christ. prayer are power, the evel spirits dont like this mighty power they never can denai

[@ducky1016]

We love you dearly

[@Giorgio8006]

Thank you Father Seraphim

[@marypaplioris6040]

God bless you Father Seraphim!!♥️🙏🙋‍♀️♥️

[@wboobear7]

Blessed to you for this message father.

[@carol.luna.stella]

Thank you for this message.

[@deborahcox7784]

Thank you, Fr. Seraphim.☦

[@TPWPSKSB]

Thank you for this!

[@orthocatsr.8723]

Father I am extremely tormented over unanswered prayer and asking any brief time possible to pray God acknowledge my plight. I understand You about how people think they can just talk face to face to God like a lark. If I can actually get stable or if my job tarries, it's my pleasure to eventually donate via mail for prayer requests listed as brief as possible in hopefully the near future, but I fear the future because obscurity seems as sure as sparks fly upward. God bless You so much, I don't deserve Your time

[@jalildragneel2674]

Brother, I am Catholic, stay strong, I know sometimes prayer seems unanswered by God, but never loose faith, even if we loose it all, what is more important is we gain the opportunity to go to heaven... I may not be a very good catholic but in my short term of practice, most of the time it seems God doesn't hear our prayers or doesn't seem to aid us is because we have rejected him through mortal sin, fight against sin, go to confession and go receive Him in the Eucharist, He will never abandon us, it is us who usually fail and abandon Him and then want His help while going against Him. Cheer up!

[@observer1242]

Thank you Father.

[@Jeanne06300]

Thank you for this beautiful and powerful message. God Bless you also. 🙏

[@zita-lein]

Loved this so much! ❤

[@attilasimon1310]

The Bible says if we ask we shall receive, I've been praying as a born again christian for years on my knees crying out to the Lord to heal me but indeed I got more sick

[@TheDreamhouse2010]

Thank you 🙏🏽