This is part of the series called "ABBA Give me a WORD".

As we approach Holy Week praying via online services, His Grace shares with us some words from St. John Climacus:

“The effort of bodily prayer can help those not yet granted real prayer of the heart. I am referring to the stretching out of the hands, the beating of the breast, the sincere raising of the eyes heavenward, deep sighs and constant prostrations… If you can, lift up the eyes of your soul, but if not, the eyes of your body.” – (St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 15, On Chastity)

His Grace also shares with us some words from St. Macarius:

“If you do not have the prayer of the spirit, strive for prayer of the body, and then shall be added to you the prayer in the spirit.” (St. Macarius)

His Grace then continues to share us words from St. Isaac the Syrian:

“Consider every prayer wherein the body does not toil and the heart is not afflicted to be a miscarriage, for this prayer has no soul.” (St. Isaac the Syrian, Homily 21 in The Ascetical Homilies)

His Grace prays that we offer heartfelt prayers, truly raise our hearts to our Lord and pleading for ourselves and for the whole world.

When the Lord Jesus Christ called His disciples, He called them by a few simple words..."Follow Me".