Imagine a friend who is always there for you no matter what happens, who will never turn his back on you. Imagine someone who understands you better than anyone else, who loves and supports you unconditionally, and who offers you wisdom and comfort when you need it most. That friend, if only we want it, can be Christ Himself. Many people think of God as a strict judge, but that is not true. God is full of love and mercy, and He wants to be your best friend. In the Gospel according to John (15:14) He even says: "You are my friends..."

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out; because in fear is torture, and he who fears has not perfected himself in love." (1 Job 4, 18).

When you love Jesus, despite your many weaknesses, be sure that you have conquered death, because you are in communion with His love.

You should feel that the Lord is your friend. He confirmed it himself by saying: "You are my friends..." (Jn. 15, 14). We should trust Him and draw closer to Him as a friend. And if we fall, if we commit a transgression, let us approach Him with love and courage, filled with trust in mutual friendship, without fear of His punishment. We should say to Him: "Yes, Lord, I did it, I fell, forgive me." At the same time, we should feel the love with which He loves us, that He receives us with tenderness and love and forgives us. Let us not allow ourselves to be transgressed by our separation from Jesus. If we believe that He loves us and if we love Him, we will not feel like strangers, separated from His love, even when we commit sin. We have secured His love and no matter what we do, we know He loves us.

The Gospel, speaking allegorically, warns that sinners will be taken to a place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Mat. 25, 30). And indeed it will be like that for those who live far from the Lord. Some Holy Fathers talk about the fear of death and hell. They say: "Always remember death." From such words, analyzed more deeply, comes the fear of hell. He, who tries not to sin, cherishes such thoughts, and his soul is filled with the fear of death, hell and the devil.

Everything has its importance at a certain moment and in the right circumstances. The fear of death is correct in the early stages of the spiritual struggle. It is correct for beginners, for those in whom the old "I" is still present. The beginner protects himself from sin with this fear. Fear is necessary, because we have a physical nature, subject to weaknesses. However, this is the early stage of our relationship with the Divine. At this level, the relationship with the Lord is a bargain: to gain heaven and avoid hell. If we examine this effort, we will see that it is selfish. I don't like it this time. As soon as a person progresses and enters into the love of Christ, why should he be afraid? Whatever you do, do it with love and that's the most important thing. It is not worth it that someone becomes good out of fear of the Lord and not because he loves Him.

When you pray, don't let anyone see or guess what you are doing. You do it in secret, as ascetics. Remember when I talked about the nightingale? He sings in the forest, when there is silence, so that no one would hear him and praise him. What a wonderful chant in the wilderness! Did you notice how his throat tenses up? The same happens with those who love the Lord. As soon as they experience that love, their throat and tongue tense up. They run into the wilderness, into the desert, and commune with God in secret. Pay no attention to the passions; don't deal with demons. Turn to Jesus. Divine grace will teach us responsibilities. We must have love and longing in order to attract God's grace. Divine eros is needed for the Lord's grace.

Once we have acquired love, we are ready to pray. The Lord himself comes to such a soul, as soon as he finds good intentions, humility and love in it. Without good intentions, humility and love, we are not able to say: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Even the slightest criticism that we give to another person affects our soul and it becomes impossible for us to pray. The Holy Spirit dare not approach such a soul.

We should let the Lord do what He wants with us; this is more useful and correct both for us and for those we pray for. Jesus will add everything else. However, if we show even the slightest selfishness, nothing can happen. The Lord has his own reasons - why he does not give us what we ask of Him. He has his own "secrets."

If we do not show complete obedience to our spiritual father and humility, Jesus' prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me) will not work, and at the same time, we are in danger of being deceived. Do not say this prayer routinely. If you use force in making this prayer, you may get hurt. Some people got sick because they were making the Jesus prayer under pressure. That is not healthy prayer.

You don't have to concentrate too much to say the Jesus prayer. You don't need any special effort when you have Divine Eros. Any place is suitable for prayer: while sitting on a low chair, in an armchair, in a car, on the road, at school, in the office, everywhere. Just gently say "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me", without force or feeling any anguish.

A prayer lasting five minutes, but offered to the Lord with love and longing, is more valuable than an all-night prayer without love.

Elder Porphyry Kavsokalyvitus

Source: Friend of God Foundation