DO I NEED A PRAYER RULE? What about a SPIRITUAL FATHER?

[@FrMarkGoring]

That’s the coolest background ever! 👍🏼

[@mullmonastery]

😊 it is a beautiful winter day, but the wind is still too strong to record outside, so I had to find a place to hide behind the church. (I wish I'd remembered to hide the wheelbarrow behind)

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

@@mullmonastery As a gardener I enjoyed seeing the wheelbarrow. :)

[@DualFrodo]

Fr Goring! This is surprising :D

[@arthurholmes-brown7104]

I was thinking the same. I must admit at some points I was thinking how great it would look as a watercolour painting and wondering how to get the right yellow for the wall where the sun is shining.... But I was listening too😁

[@lady7918]

This is a wonderful recording! I agree with all of what you said. It's almost impossible to have a prayer rule for those who are living in the world let alone for a parent, as I am a mother and worker. My only rule is to wake up daily with an open heart and full willingness to do my best bringing the Lord with me and to others and be mindful of Him at all times. Be open to be led by the Holy Spirit at all times and especially the times when things don't go my way, to fully accept things that the Lord's will governs all. I love the prayer of St Philaret of Moscow, it's the first thing my mind goes to say in the morning. Bottom line, is what you said father many times about St Sophrony of Sakarov: " keep going and keep open". That's a fit rule of life.

[@rainastor4789]

It makes me ache. I might never have this. May God have mercy on me and all those like me. Added later... God Himself will be Father to those of us with none other. He will not leave us orphans. ♥️

[@Retiredinruraljapanvlog]

Three years ago but this video is still blessing many of us.

[@clmberserker245]

Thank you. God bless you too. I teared up when you said "God bless you, however you are."

[@danielgaley9676]

Father Seraphim, your words are so soothing to me. I thank God for you. You bless my soul.

[@otelders]

Thank you, dear Father!

[@celesteyurek577]

Father, you really knocked this teaching right out of the park. I love to hear all your teaching. I definitely needed this today. You are absolutely correct. Thank you! God bless you always.

[@mullmonastery]

Be blessed, dear Celeste. Thank you for your kindness. Please stay safe and healthy.

[@sophiewallace8662]

Amazing! I met a priest in the corse of my job.. he gave me his phone number to call him with my questions and to talk to him !!! He said he remembers me at his masses!

[@icxc4278]

We love you Father Seraphim! May the grace of God be with you, protect you and guide you!

[@mullmonastery]

May we all be blessed, dear one.

[@sophiewallace8662]

Software of salvation‼ please never stop teaching us‼

[@cindyray3379]

God is using your teachings to speak directly to me. I'm so grateful for your faithfulness with producing these videos. Thank you! Don't stop sharing, for God is using you in a mighty way!

[@Elany.lyon1388]

Please pray that i can find a spirtiual Father, and church home. I would like to be part of a functioning body of believers. Thank you so much for your guidance. The prayer talk is right on time. After prayer time the two nights ago, I looked in the New Testament for my daily manna and this scripture came to me, "Make your calling and election sure" It made me check myself to adjust my prayer time and my attitude to be more focused. Apathy has a way a sneaking in.

[@Lordhavemercy17]

I am so blessed to come across your videos dear father, I’m in tears and I thank you for your wise words that touched my heart and soul.. I’m planning to watch every video ❤

[@Lordhavemercy17]

Antiochian Orthodox from Lebanon living in London Uk ❤

[@nicoleprice6278]

this is my experience too!! hoping to watch all them in the next month or so 😄

[@cassaundramariac9075]

So glad to see you again, Father. I've been at the edge of my seat waiting. God bless you. 🙏

[@mullmonastery]

That is so kind of you to say, dear one. May God bless you and all those whom you carry in your heart.

[@wendyflanagan5738]

Praised be Our Lord Jesus and His Most Immaculate Mother. I am deeply grateful for the safe delivery of the icon of Saint Patrick and the Holy Chalice with sacred image and Holy Eucharist. The faith and power given by God to Saint Patrick to cast out demons and snakes, is a sign of heavenly protection. Thank you so much Father Seraphim for all you deliver from Mull to keep God's Love and Wisdom, Goodness and Truth in our present day and Age of Grace.

[@FearNoGrave]

Thank you for your encouraging words, Father. Many years to you and Mull Monastery!

[@tonytrevorrow1280]

Thank you Dear Reverend Father,for you have answered several questions,with clarity.This is most helpful.

[@mullmonastery]

Thank God, dear Tony. This is all we can hope for - to help each other a bit, to make things slightly easier for all of us.

[@tonytrevorrow1280]

@@mullmonastery Dear Reverend Father, through God' s grace I have been connected to your Reverence' s homilies & reflections.I am strengthened & reassured by your words.thank you.

[@minketheodora]

Thank you father, and bless you abundantly, Grace and Peace be mulitpled to you, . May His Light shine on you,. amen.

[@lauranagel8756]

This is Steven from Las Vegas, NV. I always look forward to your talks. I never miss one. Thank you father for your words. I find a constant battle when I pray. I always want to rush through it. Pray for me to have faith and deep love for God which I lack. The passions seem almost too strong for me. I am one that cannot allow temptation for even a second or it will consume me. How often I have fallen into sin. I hope that I am not lost. Thank you Father. God bless you as well.

[@wendyflanagan5738]

Ask Mother Mary Queen of Heaven to pray for you and spiritually guard you. St. MICHAEL PROTECTS US TOO. Heaven is full of saints ready to pray for our highest good.

[@TinaHyde]

I feel the same way, Steven. I always want to rush through my prayers. What helps me to not rush is to pray with my family, so I can’t go at my own pace but at my husband’s, since he’s the one leading/reading the prayer. You’re definitely not alone in the other things you suffer, too. Just keep fighting, my brother. God will not forsake you as long as you keep fighting against sin and you repent. God have mercy on you.

[@celestethompson9542]

As my spiritual father has reposed, I have found my father confessor to be very helpful in my personal prayers. He has given me specific prayers based on my confession.

[@miriam4091]

Sometimes these thoughts or temptations come in dreams. I remember once in my sleep - making the sign of the Cross several times and saying Jesus have mercy on me! It was an unusual encounter.

[@mullmonastery]

That is true, dear Miriam. And God has given you the perfect tools to fight this temptation: the name of Christ and His Cross. Be blessed, dear one.

[@katerinafar]

I like this - "We need to read and be educated by the high spirit of the saints, but to imitate them in prayer is the height of madness." - something like this (by J.Climacus). These are useful words for me. Sometimes I try to. Sometimes there are problems after that :)

[@Carlos44]

Thanks so much for your words of wisdom. I cherish all your talks.

[@mullmonastery]

Thank you for your encouragement, dear Carl. It means a great deal and it motivates us to keep doing this. Be blessed, dear one.

[@JaythePandaren]

Thank you for praying for all of the dead I care about, Fr Seraphim I hope I'll have a spritual father like you someday

[@asmerethadera9185]

Thank you father remember me on your Prayers from Eritrea orthodox.

[@joannhacker9120]

Thank you for this. My Protestant husband tells me written prayers are not good. But I feel my prayer life has gotten better by written prayer. The prayers of the Saints seem to express what I can’t.

[@s.d.berquist6866]

Just keep praying with the Saints, as you are feeding your soul with spiritual riches. Sorry you have a husband who does not understand yet, what you are doing. Just keep on. Perhaps his heart will be changed as he gradually sees that you are changed by your prayers and the prayers of the Saints. God bless.

[@lcf3335]

The background atmosphere of your videos are so impressive.. Good man Father.

[@mullmonastery]

I so wish I could film outside, in the wind and rain, but my phone is broken and I am afraid the water will damage it. I also wish I knew how to film in the dark, so I may record during the night, when my mind is calm and free. But I trust there is a time for everything. Be blessed, dear Eric.

[@AgionOros]

Amen, greetings my Orthodox brothers, give us your blessings.

[@danielgaley9676]

I would have never thought that it would be my wife Cathy that would oppose Orthodoxy. Please pray for us. God bless you all.

[@ΡοδίαΤαλιαντζή]

Thank you father for the blessings, the teachings and the prayers! Thank you for the light! Thank you for the love in Crist!

[@cristinagabrielasteck1087]

God bless you Father!

[@jothimary8255]

Thank you Father. Great enlightenment. God bless you.

[@mullmonastery]

Stay safe and healthy, dear one.

[@sonyavojnik5265]

Thank you father.. this was so helpful! God bless you

[@mullmonastery]

Thank God, dear Sonya! And thank you for saying so - it does encourage us to continue moving forward. Stay safe and healthy, dear one

[@l.schoepf8600]

Thank you very much, Father. Bless. With deep appreciation, from California. Laura Olga

[@liehhungc3261]

Father, thank you so much for the teachings again. As a protestant, even though I have been praying for years, but I have to admit sometimes I feel frustrated to see how poor and empty my prayers are. And I took the advice in your other vedios to pray the prayers of the saints. As I did so, I realized that I had come across to the way, which could actually expand my spiritual life. By meditating those prayers and pray them sincerely everyday, it helps shape my heart. And it amazes me how profound their prayers are! Those prayers are truly out of deep love for God!

[@klauswhitedreamer]

Multumim frumos pentru toata dragostea cu care va cheltuiti timpul si energia pentru invataturi ! ... Va urmaresc cu mare drag, Domnul sa va binecuvanteze ! ... Adevarat, fiecare credincios are calea, intelegerea si puterea sa dupa cum bunul Dumnezeu il binecuvanteaza si un adevarat duhovnic intelege neputinta omeneasca din fiecare dintre cei pe care ii pastoreste ! E o bucurie sa impartasesc invataturile dumneavoastra ! Domnul sa va binecuvanteze cu toata pacea si bucuria, Craciun si An Nou fericit ! ♥️

[@marshabrubaker185]

Very timely topic. I've been doubting my prayer life, thinking there must be better ways to pray. We in Southern California are in a most restrictive lockdown and are only allowed outside our homes for essential errands. All gatherings are prohibited. Fortunately, I can connect via Zoom for church services & Bible study. That said, my prayer life has become more important because for the most part I have to pray alone at home. May God bless you, Fr Seraphim

[@iotapyrli6561]

I wish everybody to meet and have a spiritual father because it is a connection that never brakes.

[@miriam4091]

Thankyou and God bless you for taking time to share with us! (from Canada)

[@mullmonastery]

Stay safe and healthy, dear one. May God bless you and everyone you carry in your heart.

[@halabouabs6166]

A real spiritual father is a heavenly present; we can not progress spiritually without his guidance. Blessed is the person who entrust his spiritual father and take his recommendations as coming from the mouth of the Lord. May you be blessed Father and thank you 🙏🏻.

[@PsaltyCatholic]

Thank you, dear Father, for this timely affirming word. What you have described as a prayer rule is very much what I have developed as a practice. Included in my prayer rule is also the daily readings from the lectionary. David

[@PossumKing94]

Father Seraphim, your videos have greatly helped me in my path to become an Orthodox Christian (my wife and I were Chrismated Nov. 22nd). Your words and videos are always a comfort to me, as you always seem to hit on points that I struggle with. Thank you so very much for your time and effort! You've made an incredible impact in our lives!

[@gretagarbo6930]

Yes,You are speaking to me as if You are speaking to your own heart.i m changed.i m transformed beyond my wildest hopes and dreams!I feel sorry for your sufferings.😭😢💔.I want to put in the sacrifice.because I sincerely care.one day.i believe in sharing.Giving joy makes one happy.🥰

[@rainastor4789]

Gethsemene and praying while everyone else sleeps for the strength to do what is coming.... scourging (for a God who did not have to stay there and take it), crowned with thorns from a ground that had been cursed instead of crowned with honor, carrying a cross on a torn back, being nailed up naked for all to see... All of it is submission to the course that love required. None of it is “will power.” I think I need to approach things very differently than I have been.

[@joycethomsen-blake851]

Photini. Thank you for this-deeply inspiring!

[@TinaHyde]

Counsels from your Spiritual Father ➡️ the “Secret Software of Salvation”... I love this, Father Seraphim! The message and the alliteration! ♥️

[@victorinoterradillosortega2539]

Paz y Bien. Habla usted convencido, como si hubiese tenido gracias especiales. Bendiciones. En la comunión de fe y amor.

[@MrsElla64]

Very nice words, Father Serafim.

[@deb664]

May God bless you abundantly! I will pray that God finds me a Spiritual father in the states. I am a recent convert and truly need to find a spiritual father.

[@andreahutchinson5783]

The field was bought, for the pearl of great price. The price was paid, Oh. Holy Blood and Sacrifice. And HOW we dig for it.... as for silver and gold. He in us and us in Him. Even the wheelbarrow speaks, lying by the grave.... " Dig like the Father..Let us"''' ..break up our fallow ground for it is time to seek the LORD till He come and rain righteousness on us... See (Hosea 10:12..) ...sew to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy..." .Oh, wonderful work of The True and Living Faith. Oh, wonderful simple wheelbarrow! In the graveyard!.. It is speaking the scripture...." It is sown in dishonor; It is raised in glory: It is sown is weakness; It is raised in power."--1Cor.15:43 Is not our Father our husbandman and we The Garden of God. Thank you Father Seraphim. Please know how we need you, all of you. Keep digging in our garden. Till He come. We know you love us and Jesus, and Father and Holy Spirit loves you and we love you too. Such love, so great that Our God would die for us. Holy God, Holy Eternal, Holy Immortal. May He bless you forever. ... When nothing else would help, Love lifted me,....from and old song. It is too wonderful how can we say it? I can only hear you when you sigh in the Holy Ghost for all the love poured out to Christ's precious Body. Amen, Amen. Amen. Bless you and everyone and all at Mull Monastery and may everyone be blessed. Mrs. Hutchinson, (andrea) ...till we all be filled with all the fulness of God. (forgive all my words, there is an unknown language singing in my heart!)Shalom

[@franhourican4947]

Thank you Father.

[@wendyflanagan5738]

Thank you Father Seraphim for wisdom at this time on Earth. Bless London and all those making difficult decisions about get togethers as the health of everyone and souls matter to Lord Jesus.

[@maryannguidry3431]

thank you Father seraphin I needed those words they're very good words to ponder on very good message I needed that today God bless. Pray for me had very bad day to day.serious plumbing work .n tomorrow.!!!!!!

[@poeticsun645]

I am blessed to be a viewer of this channel

[@audenlasso-chavez617]

Thank you Father, I greatly appreciate this, I was actually talking about this same subject with my brothers.

[@christianlacroix5430]

Doamne, ajuta! Va multumim pentru munca dumneavoastra, parinte. De-abia astept sa va urmaresc interviul cu Gospel Simplicity.

[@katkat2340]

Blessed be God forever!✝️✝️✝️

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

Amen amen amen and bless you too Father. Thank you for this guidance. I am wondering, since I am Irish and you are possibly the best authority on this - when you mentioned collections of saints is there any collection of saints from these parts? Not that I wouldn't like to read the others too of course, but perhaps there would be some additional value around the sense of place. I have just ordered a prayer rope of 33 knots and a shell from you btw. I know it will be a while before I receive it but I am very much looking forward to it and knowing that it was made there makes it extra special. I really love you. I hope one day to have a spiritual father like you but until then you are doing a wonderful job of guiding me and I thank God for you from the depths of my heart. Thank you thank you thank you. May God bless you and your ministry in abundance.

[@TinaHyde]

Have you looked at the Saints featured on the monastery’s website? I believe they’re mostly from Northern Europe.

[@mullmonastery]

Thank you for your support, dear Colm. There are a few collections, but none is really useable. Either they are academic to the point of denying that these people even existed, or they are subjective selections of a few Saints, with a line or two about their lives. We are working on a collection ourselves, but it is going very slow given everything else we need to do. But God will bless, and we shall finish when the time is right. Please keep us in your prayers.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

@@TinaHyde Great idea thanks. I'll go through the icons and look them up. I know a little bit about the three patron saints of Ireland - Patrick, Brigid, and Colmcille so I think when I make my icon wall they will be the first extra-Biblical icons, although I can't be sure since I will come across others meantime. God bless you.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

@@mullmonastery Thank you for replying. I see yes. Well I very much look forward to reading it if you do. In the meantime I will collect anything I do come across in case it might be useful to have. God bless you in all that you do. You are in my prayers.

[@richardbenitez7803]

It is very difficult to get a spiritual director .. at one Franciscan Parrish i attended in San Francisco i was given a website for spiritual direction over the phone or computer at a cost to me. Not! Unfortunately parishes in the US have a shortage of priests. Most of the priests i see at weekly mass or Sunday are are constantly rotating retired priests , see them once then they are gone. Most are glad to get the heck out once mass is over. It’s a crisis. So ! I do pay attention to your advice and kind words.

[@janicemartinez4755]

Please share the copy of the desert father's that you have been referring to. Thank you

[@suziebrown3512]

Amen

[@danettecross8608]

1 Cor 4:15 - sadly, there are not many spiritual Fathers. There is a great lack where I am, and I sense I am not alone in my assessment. Many teachers, not many fathers.

[@sanctifiedyoga5493]

How to find a spiritual father?

[@ionvoiculet3210]

🙏

[@VHOS-db1td]

ΙΣ ΧΡ ΝΙ ΚΑ! Γεροντικον in English!(Cemetery background!) ❤️🧔☦️🇬🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇹🇩

[@monizoe3188]

Hello dearest friend, i found your use of the word incarnate curious as i saw a documentary about children recalling in detail past lives. That was very confusing for me. i feel "suspended" in a way. Please dear friend, what of John4:23-24 in my minimal capacity of understanding i fail to reconcile using other's prayers. Please forgive my ignorance i am sincerely and truly searching for Truth. Thank you, blessings and love in Christ to all. Amen

[@JAMESKOURTIDES]

Beautiful. Thank you. Is there an email or way I can contact you? God Bless

[@mullmonastery]

God bless you, dear James. My email is public ([e-mail]), but I am at least 2 to 3 weeks behind replying to my emails, and Christmas will make thinsg even worse. Please stay safe and healthy.

[@zeusmallo777]

Thank you very much father. What's the name of the book your reading?

[@PodvigAmerica]

Where may I find a hat like the one you wear?

[@mullmonastery]

Dear father Nectarios, I am dressed from head to toe by gifts sent by some amazing people all over the world, many of whom I have never met. For example, my socks come from Colorado Springs, my hats are knitted by a wonderful lady in Canada and so on. Please keep me and the Monastery in your prayers, father.

[@kathymaxted9485]

Dear priest. Can i ask you a question. What does the orthodox church beljeve about Salvation. Do they believe that once accepted Jesus Christ the persons identity is Saint and Child of God?

[@hmkzosimaskrampis3185]

Excellent advice if the spiritual father is trustworthy. Unfortunately there are many who put themselves forth as spiritual fathers and are not. It's heartbreaking, but the faithful should be warned about that. Too many stories of abuse and malpractice.

[@s.d.berquist6866]

True. Thank you, Father.

[@colmcummings7393]

I've been listening to u along time now ...And I want to know what is it that Ur hiding under that hat... better not beholding out with a big bar of chocolate. 😁