St. Paisios the Athonite

- Geronda, after one ugly act on my part, I have a thought that my prayer is displeasing to God.

- “If this thought comes from real humility and you say:“ I will anger God with my ugly behavior, ”then you feel divine comfort. If you are upset because of selfishness and say: "How could I come to this?" - you do not get consolation, because "God resists the proud." God does not hear the prayer of the proud, because pride is an obstacle.

For our prayer to be heard, it must come from "a contrite and humble heart." As soon as we humbly say: "Lord, someone like me, how can you listen?" - and right there the Good God hears us.

St. Paisios the Athonite