“If a man’s deeds are not in harmony with his Prayer, he labours in vain. The brother said, ‘What is this harmony between practice and Prayer?’ The old man said, ‘We should no longer do those things against which we Pray. For when a man gives up his own will, then God is reconciled with him and accepts his Prayers.’ The brother asked, ‘In all the affliction which the Monk gives himself, what helps him?’ The old man said, ‘It is written, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'” (Ps.46.1)
+