dailyreadings Archives • Page 278 of 292 • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:27 . “The path of God is a daily cross. No one has ascended into heaven by means of ease.” – St. Isaac the Syrian #bearyourcross #carryyourcross #followernotfan #disciple #thecrossispainful #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:27 . “The …

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Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 . . . There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer unites us with God as his companions. As our bodily eyes are illuminated by seeing the light, so in contemplating God our soul is illuminated by him. Of course the prayer I have in mind is no matter of routine, it is deliberate and earnest. It is not tied down to a fixed timetable; rather it is a state which endures by night and day. . Prayer is the light of the soul, giving us true knowledge of God. It is a link mediating between God and man. By prayer the soul is borne up to heaven and in a marvellous way embraces the Lord. This meeting is like that of an infant crying on its mother, and seeking the best of milk. The soul longs for its own needs and what it receives is better than anything to be seen in the world. . Prayer is a precious way of communicating with God, it gladdens the soul and gives repose to its affections. You should not think of prayer as being a matter of words. It is a desire for God, an indescribable devotion, not of human origin, but the gift of God’s grace. As Saint Paul says: we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. . St John Chrysostom homilies on #prayer #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodoxy #prayerenlightensus #notinwordsonly #butinheart

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we …

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Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you – John 16:22 . . . In the house of God there is never ending festival; the angel choir makes eternal holiday; the presence of God’s face gives joy that never fails. Saint Augustine #joythatnoonecansteal #heaven #joyfromseeinggod #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodoxy

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no …

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“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” – Hebrews 12:3 . “In your sufferings, trust that Christ is the Friend of every one who suffers… He is his Partner and his Companion, and He will not leave him along the path of sufferings” – H.H. Pope Shenouda III #suffering #thepassion #considerChrist #considerHim #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” …

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“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6 . “Do not say, “this happened by chance, while this came to be of itself.” In all that exists there is nothing disorderly, nothing indefinite, nothing without purpose, nothing by chance … How many hairs are on your head? God will not forget one of them. Do you see how nothing, even the smallest thing, escapes the gaze of God?” – St. Basil the Great #theveryhairsonyourheadareallnumbered #donotfear #nothingwithoutpurpose #purpose #nothingescapesthegazeofGod #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the …

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