On Prayer: The Spiritual Counsels of St. Paisios the Athonite - Volume 6
Part Two: The Struggle for Prayer - Chapter 1: Difficulties in Prayer
“Geronta, what is the difference between acedia(*) and sloth?”
“Acedia is spiritual laziness, whereas sloth refers to laziness of both soul and body. It is best, however, that neither be present. Both acedia and sloth sometimes even infect those who have many prerequisite qualities for the spiritual life… The devil does not cause much harm to one who is indifferent by nature. If, however, a sensitive person becomes upset, he will sense acedia afterwards. He must figure out what had upset him, and face it spiritually — so as to regain his courage, and get his engine started. He should take care not to allow any wounds to remain unhealed. Otherwise, later on, he will be overcome by his traumas. A breakdown in one’s soul - which, in turn, can also bring about a physical breakdown - can render a person useless. The doctors will not find anything physically wrong, because the breakdown had been instigated by the devil. How many philotimo(+)-filled, sensitive souls have I seen rendered useless!” [Part 1 of 6]
(*) - Acedia is the passion of despondency, coupled with indifference and lethargy; it is a spiritual illness.
(+) - Philotimo is the spontaneous, self-sacrificing love shown by humble people, from whom every trace of self has been filtered out, full of gratitude towards God and their fellow man. Philotimo comes from a deep, abiding connection with God, so that one is constantly moved to do and seek that which is good, right and honorable. (Although this definition has been repeated several times during these teachings, I feel it is never too often to remind us of its awesome meaning! Also, since we are being blessed with new subscribers almost every week, perhaps those, who have recently joined us, are unaware of its meaning.]
Hymn from the Triodion
“We the faithful, counted worthy to embrace Thine all-blessed Cross, by which Thou hast saved us all, sing the praise of Thy great compassion with gratitude. And we earnestly implore Thee: Grant, O Saviour, the great exceeding joy of Thy salvation to all of us; and give us, in repentance, to behold the venerable sufferings of Thy Passion, and Thy divine Resurrection, O blessed Lord.” [Vespers hymn in the 4th Tone, Thursday of the 4th week]