I wanted to tuck this post in here as well:
It is from another thread...
But is quintessentially an Orthodox teaching...
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I have a priest to whom I am eternally indebted, for he explained very clearly and consistently on the meaning of depression and great trials... And for that matter, even on those of somewhat lesser import. One person complained to him one day about what had happened that very morning...
"I was driving to Church with my 3 year old daughter strapped safely in the back seat when this MORON in a big VAN changed lanes right into MY lane and I had to swerve into the meridian in order to avoid a 70MPH accident on the freeway that could have killed us both. THEN, when I stopped leaning on my horn, he swerved at me again, and flipped me off, and was yelling obscenities at me... When I reached into the glove box to write down his license plate, he must have thought I was reaching for a gun, and he took off... I am still wanting to find him and straighten him out!!"
And this good Father asked him: "Well, you DO know what that incident MEANS, don't you??"
And he said: "Oh, God doubtless is trying to get my attention, I guess..."
To which the Priest replied: "It MEANS, my dear Brother...
It means, you see...
It means that, as you forgot...
As you forgot to do at the time...
It MEANS that NOW is the right time, you see...
It means that it is Time to Pray..."
So when it all goes south and despair and fear are your only companions...
There is a meaning to these companions...
They are angels of great Mercy...
For they are reminding you, you see...
That it is time to start praying...
Over and over this prayer to God:
"Oh Lord Jesus Christ...
Son of God...
Have Mercy on me...
The Sinner..."
And you can select another short prayer if you like...
And keep on saying it until you either fall asleep...
Or the messengers of Despair and Fear depart...
"Oh God be Gracious unto me a sinner...
And have Mercy on me..."
Is another one...
And remember, forgiving others is needed for you to receive God's forgiveness...
One prayer is not too few...
One hundred is not too many...
Arsenios