St. Seraphim of Sarov
Spiritual Instructions
Selected sayings
On the Aim of the Christian Life
Summary by PurifyWritten by Purify, not St. Seraphim of Sarov's words.
The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. As for fasts, and vigils, and prayer, and almsgiving, and every good deed done for Christ's sake, these are only means of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God. But mark, my son, only the good deed done for Christ's sake brings us the fruits of the Holy Spirit. All that is not done for Christ's sake, even though it be good, brings neither reward in the future life nor the grace of God in this. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ said: 'He that gathereth not with Me scattereth.'
Prayer, fasting, vigils and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, do not constitute the aim of our Christian life, although they serve as the indispensable means of reaching this end. The true aim of our Christian life is to acquire the Holy Spirit of God.
On Joy
There is no need to give way to despondency, even when one's sins are great. Despondency robs the soul of all its strength and of all hope of salvation. The merciful Lord has given us in His Mysteries every help we need; nothing can resist His grace if we will but turn to Him.
Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved.
On the Jesus Prayer
Summary by PurifyWritten by Purify, not St. Seraphim of Sarov's words.
When walking, when sitting, when working, when in church before the Service begins, everywhere, in every place, at every time, it is fitting to pray. Going about your duties, repeat 'Lord, have mercy.' If you cannot do this constantly because of weakness, do it as often as you can.
The Lord listens equally to the monk and the layman, the wise man and the simple, if they are sound and true Orthodox Christians, and both alike He sends grace if they repent and pray with faith.