Alexander Mikhailovich could not decide on the path of monasticism for a very long time
Alexander Mikhailovich did not forget his promise. He simply could not decide to take such a serious action. Conscience reminded itself.
Despite his wit, liveliness and fun, a successful teacher experiences melancholy and remorse. It was as if he was expecting something, some sign. And he finally appeared.
One day Alexander Mikhailovich was walking through the forest. A stream flowed there, and in its murmuring one could clearly hear: “Praise God, love God.”
Venerable Ambrose of Optina
But even such an event could not push Alexander Mikhailovich to decisive action. Subsequently, he called himself a compliant person.
Apparently, he gave in to his weaknesses. Therefore, sometimes it is useful to read the life of this or that saint: you learn many difficulties that await a believer on the spiritual path.
For help, Alexander Mikhailovich turned to Elder Hilarion, a famous local ascetic. He strongly advised us to go to Optina Pustyn. It was this firm leadership that was missing! In 1839, Alexander Mikhailovich was received into the monastery.
Alexander Mikhailovich secretly fled to Optina Pustyn.
Then it turned out that Alexander Mikhailovich was in such a hurry to get there that he fled secretly, without even informing the leadership of the Lipetsk school. But, in the end, the situation was sorted out.
In the Optina Hermitage, Father Ambrose suffered so often from many ailments that he was removed from the staff
Alexander Mikhailovich helped in the bakery, then in the kitchen, was an assistant to Elder Leo, and then became a monk and received the name Ambrose, later becoming a hieromonk. He was useful in publishing because he knew five languages.
But once again Father Ambrose was faced with a serious illness. But he considered this experience favorable for himself. Too lively and active, he needed something that could slow him down a little. He reasoned as follows:
“It is good for a monk to be sick. And when you are sick, you don’t need to be treated, but only healed!”
Ambrose
Reverend
The disease in question is a cold with complications affecting internal organs. But this is far from the only health problem he has faced. Father Ambrose constantly had ailments: gastritis, vomiting, fever.
Improper treatment of a dislocated arm led to even greater complications. The hieromonk did not get out of bed. He was tonsured into the great schema, and then taken out of the state to be dependent on the monastery.
Father Ambrose took the path of eldership, received people, blessed and gave advice
On September 7, 1860, Father Ambrose decided to inherit the work of eldership, which was carried out by Father Macarius, his spiritual mentor in the monastery.
Every day, Father Ambrose lived according to the following schedule:
- 4:00/5:00 — rise;
- Before 9:00 - reading the morning rule;
- From 9:00 - reception of monastics and laity;
- 14:00 - lunch and an hour and a half rest;
- Followed by vespers and reception until 23:00. The day ended with reading the evening rule.
A variety of people visited Father Ambrose. There were also celebrities among them. For example, Leo Tolstoy, who spoke of the elder like this:
"This Father Ambrose
quite a holy man.
I talked to him, and somehow it was easy
and my soul felt joyful.
When you talk to such a person,
then you feel the closeness of God.”
Lev Tolstoy
writer
This is a very remarkable review, because Leo Tolstoy had no sympathy for Christianity and preferred Eastern religious traditions to it, so Father Ambrose really made a positive impression on the writer.
Ambrose Optinsky
And the queues for the elder’s advice and blessing did not end.
Although Father Ambrose’s illnesses did not leave him, he learned to get along with them. In winter he did not show himself on the street, he alleviated illnesses with a prayer service and an akathist. One day his condition was improved by the icon of the Kazan Mother of God.
Illnesses tormented Father Ambrose all his life.
In 1870 he received a gold pectoral cross.
Hieroschemamonk Ambrose of Optina died on October 10, 1891. In 1891 he was canonized.
The relics of the saint were found on June 27. The Elder's Memorial Day is October 23.
Optina Pustyn
180. DON’T GET WEARED IN GRIEF AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT FOOD
Take courage in the Lord and let your heart be strengthened in the temptation that has befallen your abode.
We read in the Psalms: there is peace for many who love Your law, and there is no temptation for them. I know that you love the law of God with all your heart. Therefore, be strong and take courage against the temptation that happened in the monastery. It is true that it is not easy to bear such a temptation, as the holy Apostle Paul speaks about this: he who is tempted and I will not be liquefied. Although it is difficult to endure such circumstances, one should not be faint-hearted under any circumstances. I remember that I sent you a book of letters from John Chrysostom to Blessed Olympias. From these letters it is clear what kind of temptation occurred in the Church of Constantinople during the persecution of John Chrysostom. How many were tempted and damaged mentally at that time, but, despite this, Saint Chrysostom convinced Blessed Olympias not to be faint-hearted and not to be sad beyond measure. And I hear that you have given yourself up so much and are indulging in immeasurable sadness that for several days now you have not eaten at all, so that your stomach has begun to shrink. It is unreasonable and inconsistent with the will of God to indulge in such extreme sadness when we have the apostolic commandment: to rejoice in various temptations, as St. James, the brother of God, writes. The same thing is said by the Apostle Paul. Always rejoice, pray unceasingly, give thanks in everything. This is the will of God. And we should adhere to the will of God, and reject the opposite and not indulge in it. The Angel of Repentance told Saint Hermas that sadness offends the Holy Spirit and is indecent for the servants of God, that is, sadness is inappropriate or exorbitant. And you are already fed up with sadness, it’s time to put it aside and take up trust. And simple experience shows that after a strong storm there is great silence at sea. Let us hope and expect the same.
If it were possible for me, I would immediately go to N and force you to eat and drink. But weakness does not allow me. And I’m dictating this letter to you while sitting on the bed, because my feet can hardly tolerate any shoes. And those coming from the open air produce a runny nose brought on by the cold. But at least listen to my sinful advice sent. As soon as you receive this letter, sit down and eat herring or caviar with peeled pickles, and wash it down with kvass or beer; It would also not hurt to cheer up an empty and lean stomach with grapes, as the holy Apostle Paul advised Timothy, who had a weak stomach. There is a time for everything, as the wise Sirach says. It is untimely and inappropriate for someone who is sick and grieving to fast. I repeat, as soon as you receive this letter, immediately order E. to serve you everything as prescribed. It’s a pity that I can’t treat you to a forest-style treat from afar, otherwise it would have been a good time. I already wrote to you that in the old Tikhon monastery there was a similar temptation, but the abbot accepted it complacently and with courage, and the matter, in time, with the help of God, although not suddenly, but leveled out and went on as before. Let us hope and expect a good outcome regarding monastery N, as well as regarding our own spiritual state and disposition, according to the psalm word of Saint David, who cried out to the Lord: Because of the multitude of illnesses in my heart, Your consolations have made my soul glad (Ps. 93:19) .
Lord, intercede, save and have mercy, and preserve us with Your grace.
Note from Father Ambrose: Mother! It was said long ago not to lose heart, but to trust in the mercy and help of God! What they say, listen, and what they serve, eat, especially now be forced to eat, otherwise it’s harmful.
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181. CONSOLIATION IN GRIEF
I hear that your sorrows have burdened you so much and caused you illness to such an extent that you again decided to use holy oil... And you did well. Oil means mercy. The mercy of the Lord abides from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him; and there will be no hardship for those who fear Him; and again: many are the sorrows of the righteous, and I the Lord will deliver them from all of them (Ps. 33:20). True, it is not easy to bear when, according to the psalm word, the man of my peace, in whom I trusted, the poisonous bread of mine, magnify my stumbling... And in another place, as if the enemy had reviled me, I endured it: and even if you hated me He talked me up, hiding from him. But you, a man of indifference and my acquaintance, who thoroughly enjoyed being with me, walking in the house of God with one mind, - and what are you doing, forgetting what is said in Scripture: his illness will turn on his head; and again: everyone will be rewarded according to his deeds; and again: there is no secret that will not be revealed. Their words soften like oil, and they are arrows.
But, God-loving sister, whoever wants it, let us will it for good, praying the psalm word trustingly to the Lord: The sorrows of my heart have multiplied... and with the hatred of the unrighteous you have hated me. Save my soul and deliver me, so that I will not be ashamed, because I trusted in You. I cleave to me in kindness and righteousness, for I have trusted in Thee, O Lord (Ps. 24: 17-20). At the same time, it is useful to remember the kindness of the Lord Himself, as He prayed for His crucifiers: Father! Forgive them their sin; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). If we do this, we will also receive spiritual joy in our sorrows, as the psalm says: Because of the multitude of illnesses in my heart, Your consolations have made my soul glad (Ps. 93:19). May we receive the ineffable mercy of God.
I really wish that my letter finds you recovered from your illness and at peace in spirit.
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182. ADVICE IS HAPPENING AT US FROM ALL SIDES, BUT WE MUST NOT REJECT THEM
Having celebrated the holiday of the Nativity of Christ, I congratulate you on the New Year. I sincerely wish you everything new, good, useful and soul-helping, edifying and saving. Edifications are pouring in on us from all sides, but we just have to not reject them, but accept them generously, or at least endure them patiently. We are not well physically; The Holy Apostle Paul encourages us, saying (2 Cor. 4:16): even if our outer man decays, yet the inner man is renewed all the days. They revile us and accuse us on the side, at this time let us remember the Gospel words of the Lord Himself: Blessed are you, when they revile you and destroy you and say all kinds of evil words against you who lie, for my sake (Matthew 5: 11). Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for your reward is abundant in heaven and eternal. On earth, everything is temporary, short-lived, and fleeting. Soon everything passes, both pleasant and joyful and sad and painful.
If we have chosen for ourselves the path of piety, then we must remember and not forget the apostolic word: if... those who want to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12).
It is true that it is unpleasant and regrettable to see an unexpected disorder occur in your monastery. But if you compare this disorder of yours with the strong disorder that was in Constantinople during the persecution of St. John Chrysostom, when Saint Olympias was lost in bewilderment, then with such a comparison, the disorder of N against Constantinople will turn out to be very unimportant. With this comparison, there is a comforting thought for us: Saint Chrysostom received his great reward from God, and Saint Olympias not only calmed down from her perplexities, but also rejoiced, and does not cease to rejoice with unspeakable joy.
We too will be forced to endure the painful and regrettable. There is an old proverb: if you endure, you will fall in love. But the Lord is able to bring the work of your monastery into proper order.
I congratulate your lord on the holiday and asked him to accept false denunciations with consideration and not to trust slander. The deed itself is truer than words.
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183. YOU SHOULD NOT RUN FROM INSTITUTION, LEST YOU BE LIKE JONAH, WHO WANTED TO FLEE TO TARSHIS, BUT ENTERED INTO THE BELLY OF THE WHALE
Peace to you, and God's blessing, and every affirmation in truth. N writes on your behalf that you wrote a request for your dismissal from your superiors. But the invisible woman knocked over the glass of the lamp and poured oil on this petition. So this remains the case.
I know, sister, that it is very difficult for you - both from the circumstances and from the harsh and inappropriate antics that greatly influence your weak nerves, and therefore you still want to imitate the prophet Jonah, who ran from the Face of God to Tarshish and ended up in the belly of the whale. Also remember that even on the shore of silence, an early worm can undermine your pumpkin, and the heat of the enemy’s fiery arrows can scorch your head. We cannot escape the Face of God anywhere. Every Christian is assigned his own cross, and his own path is indicated, and the Gospel teaching preaches that obedience is the main Christian virtue. And authority is also obedience. The Holy Apostle Paul also writes about the Savior that He was obedient until death, death on the cross. In general, the Apostle Peter says to all of us (1 Pet. 1: 13-14): beloved... as children of obedience... sober, trust in the grace brought to you by the revelation of Jesus Christ, not being transformed first by your ignorance of concupiscence. And the Lord Himself says in the Gospel (John 6:38): I have not come, let me do My will, but the will of the Father who sent Me, and to the Supreme Apostle of the rivers: Peter! Do you love Me more than these?..
Feed my lambs (John 21:15). From these words you yourself, sister, can understand how much more love for Christ can be expressed. Therefore, do not shy away from the difficult responsibility entrusted to you to take care of the young sisters, about their dispensation and salvation, remembering the spoken word: no one has greater love than this, but whoever lays down his life for his friends (John 15:13). And the apostle writes: everyone will accept compensation according to their labor. The Lord is strong to strengthen your weak nerves, and for harsh and inappropriate actions to humble the guilty person in due time. Also, if the will of God is done, then silence, in due time, will be given to those who wish. There is nothing higher than the will of God, and obedience is greater than sacrifice; obedience is more important than fasting and prayer. Obedience is assigned to everyone - both younger and older. Obedience is beneficial and saving for everyone. (The end is lost.)
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184. MUST REMEMBER THE WORDS: EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO LIVE GOODLY... WILL BE PERSECUTED
Take courage, and let your heart be strong. If we have decided to follow the path of piety for the salvation of our souls, then let us not forget the apostolic words: but whoever wants to live godly... will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12), if not in the ancient way, with various torments, then in a new, different way reproach. But so that we do not become faint-hearted in this, the Lord Himself strengthens and consoles us, saying in the Gospel: Blessed will you be when they revile you... and say all kinds of evil against you who lie, for my sake: rejoice and be glad, for your reward is many in heaven (Matthew 5: 11-12).
If, due to our weakness, we cannot rejoice in the face of reproach, then at least let us not grieve beyond measure. If, due to weakness of nerves, we cannot overcome and overcome sorrowful and offensive thoughts, then let us in every possible way keep ourselves from grumbling. If it has come to this, then let us recognize our weakness, and let us humble ourselves before God and people, and repent. Knowledge of one's weakness and humility are stronger than any other virtue.
The Holy Apostle Paul writes about himself this way: Because of the many revelations, let me not be arrogant, since I have been given a sinner to the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7). Alexander Kovach inflicted many bodily wounds on the Apostle Paul, stirring up an entire pagan city against him.
How and how can we explain the fact that Christ’s beloved confidante, John the Theologian, who was obliged to preach the Gospel, was instead forced by an inappropriate woman to heat the city bathhouse, and bore this burden for six years. But for such oppression of the apostle, the Lord performed such a miracle that the entire city turned to the Christian faith, which perhaps could not have been done by preaching for ten years or more. Knowing and remembering this, let us bend or bow our necks when the burden of sorrowful circumstances, or reproach, or some kind of constraint is placed on us, having the hope that something useful will subsequently come out for those whom we have been entrusted to care for spiritually and externally. Wonderful are the works of the Lord and unsearchable are His ways. It was not in vain and not in vain that Saint David cried out to the Lord: Because of the multitude of illnesses in my heart, Your consolations have made my soul glad (Ps. 93:19). May we believe and may we hope that for the sorrows we have suffered, the Lord is able to comfort us, each in his own time and according to each one’s dispensation. St. Peter of Damascus writes: “The great gift of God is also revealed in the fact that the Lord seeks our salvation and arranges it in every way.”
Pray for me, a sinner who speaks and does not do.
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185. HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS
Having entered the New Year, I kindly greet you with everything new, good and soothing, contrary to what happened last year.
I congratulated your Bishop on the holiday and the New Year, explaining something about community N. In response, I received the following from him: “For my part, with help from the Lord, I will try to establish peace among the sisters and due obedience to the boss.”
I congratulate you on the approaching day of your cassock tonsure and I sincerely wish you to imitate the One about whom it is said in the psalms (Ps. 44: 10): in gilded vestments and adorned, and to whom the Church now sings evermore: “Rejoice, O Blessed One!” Before it was said: But a weapon will pierce your own soul (Luke 2:35). And the apostle writes (Heb. 2:18): Having himself been tempted, he can help those who are tempted. Our Lady Herself, the Most Holy Virgin Theotokos, has experienced so much sorrow and heart disease like no one else, and now helps all those who mourn who come running to Her[9].
These days I felt sicker than usual. From the visitors I caught a cold on my face and was covered in sweat. The cold spread to the sick inside and became like a stomach fever, and now it has not yet completely passed, but those who come and come demand their own: whether it’s possible or not, accept it. If you don’t accept it, your soul will be restless. Here, understand, perhaps even be perplexed, just do what you were told. But not everyone can, like Archangel Gabriel, do what is done in the mind.
Greetings in the Lord to all N miracle workers.
Peace to you! And pray for me, a sinner.
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186. INSTRUCTION BY PROVERBS
...I hear that you would like to hear something human from me, but you yourself know the texts of the Holy Scriptures.
If the Son of God did not say anything from Himself, but as if He had received a commandment from the Father, what I say and what I say, then what can a sinful man, sick in body and soul, tell you from himself? Listen, if you wish. Sidor and Karp live in Kolomna, but sin and misfortune never happen to anyone. If it weren’t for the hops and the frost, then even the oak would have outgrown it. Fresh milk, like a fool, is of little use. Cream and sour cream, and especially well-churned butter from them, are a different matter - both well refined and well seasoned. For a beaten person they give two unbeaten ones, but they don’t even take them. Whatever you miss, you can fill in with your pocket. What can be endured, will be loved later. Adam's years since the beginning of the world. Adam made a mistake and had to endure a lot afterwards; This happens to everyone who makes mistakes. The word is not a sparrow; if it flies out, you won’t catch it. Often more troubles come from careless words than from the deeds themselves. That is why a person is called a verbal person, so that he utters words that are reasonably thought out. So I told you a whole bunch of human words, I don’t know if you will choose anything sensible and useful for yourself from them. (The ending was not delivered.)
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187. NO ONE STAYS WITHOUT SORRY, ESPECIALLY IN THE PRESENTATION
I congratulate you on the all-joyful holiday of the Resurrection of Christ. By the mercy of the Risen Lord, may your sorrows and troubles, especially those of the abbot, be dissolved with spiritual joy throughout the whole year. Neither ordinary people nor ordinary novices and novices are completely free from sorrow; Moreover, obedience to a superior is associated with many sorrowful inconveniences. You want to do it this way, but it turns out, by God’s permission, differently. And the Lord allows everything to benefit our soul, to test our patience and humility and submission to the will of God, because without these three we will not gain anything useful and soul-saving. It is true that it is difficult to struggle with human weaknesses, and to endure the shortcomings of those around us; but by bearing such a burden, the fulfillment of God’s law is proven, as the apostle testifies; Bear each other’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ...
I don’t know how to tell you about my health. I wrote to you about the hardships. And I, especially in the last three weeks, have been feeling some kind of heaviness in my body, so that in the morning I can hardly break myself enough to take up the usual verbose conversation with visitors; and then you rant so much that you can barely make it to bed, in an hour or more. So you judge and judge my relationship with the righteous and the unrighteous. It’s not written on anyone’s forehead who he is, but he says that he needs to talk, and doesn’t want to know that I’m not bothered. Yes, and from weakness and fatigue it is very straining. There is a proverb: “No matter how you throw it, everything comes out.” It is impossible not to accept, but it is not possible to accept everyone, and there is not enough strength.
According to Easter, I greet N, the multi-proclaimer and the treasurer’s mother, sometimes like a silent fish, and sometimes singing and raising her voice. On a festive note, I also greet all the residents of N. There is an awkward proverb: “A goose and a loon are an odd pair, but they often swim in the lake together.” There is another proverb: “It’s awkward, oh well.”
(Father Ambrose's note:) at least - so - oh well, so be it! The many-sinful hieroschemamonk Ambrose.
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188. ABOUT THE DEATH OF THE NUN LADIZHENSKAYA AND ABOUT HER CONCERNS
I’m not at all busy, and I’m not quite well, but I hasten to notify you about the death of B., the seamstress nun Evdokia A. Ladyzhenskaya. Yesterday, May 21, at 6 o'clock in the evening, she died peacefully, without much suffering, from consumption, which began in February. Despite her illness, Evdokia diligently worked on embroidering the robe: for her diligence, you too diligently remember the soul of the deceased.
Currently, N, the abbess, and two sisters have been in Optina for several days. They also brought Saratov nun A. with them. The crowd of people and the arrival of many prevented them from being released soon. Our changeable weather also interferes: sometimes it’s very warm, sometimes it’s suddenly very cold, and because of this I catch colds. But no one wants to hear that I am unwell. And almost everyone explains why I don’t accept them soon. Here you can manage it - as you want and as you know. More than once you will remember the simple Russian proverb: “Beat the sieve when the sieve doesn’t fit.” And this proverb doesn’t prevent you from noticing and remembering it, mother, when you have to fall behind in business, when we think about doing it this way, but it turns out differently. Then this proverb is especially suitable.
I kindly greet in the Lord N the many-pronounced and other sisters who live like voiceless fish, although occasionally they raise their feathers. But a feather is not a stick, and a sparrow is not a jackdaw, and a magpie is not a crow. However, everyone has their own defense. When despondency sets in, read this set of words, as a German said to a Russian: “What a fool you are.” I wanted to call him a cudgel, but I couldn’t.
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189. ABOUT THAT YOU SHOULD NOT BE HAPPY IF NOT EVERYONE GOES TO MONACRY BY CALLING
I hear that you are grieving that of the sisters living in your community, there are few who entered the monastery by vocation, and most of those who entered were either due to the straitened circumstances of their parents, or for other reasons.
And in the Gospel we read that even of those who are called, few are found who are chosen, that is, those who have a real good will for a pious life, as it is said (Matthew 20:16): for many are called, but few are chosen. But, despite this, the Lord encourages us, saying: Fear her, little flock: for it is your (Heavenly) Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32); and commands that the tares not be taken up prematurely among the wheat, but that the wallpaper be left to grow until the harvest, when the wheat is gathered into the granary, and the tares are consigned to unquenchable fire. It is a different matter when the tares themselves left the monastery, about which we read the apostolic testimony: an infidel, if he is excommunicated, let him be separated.
I also hear that your leg still hurts and doesn’t give you rest. Recently I opened the Philokalia, and the 94th chapter of Blessed Diodochos opened, in which he interprets the words of the Apostle: Sweetly, I will boast all the more in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me (2 Cor. 12:9). By infirmities the apostle means the rebellion of the enemies of the Cross of Christ, because of which the saints of that time suffered many disasters and sorrows, and the apostle sets forth the reason - let them not exalt themselves by the superiority of revelations, but, moreover, let them remain in humility for the sake of frequent humiliation. Nowadays, as the peace of the Churches increases in the Lord, by infirmities one should understand the evil thoughts of the enemy and bodily incitements, or ailments and illnesses by which ascetics of piety should be tempted. In the parables it is said: for the Lord loves him and punishes him: but he beats every son whom he accepts (Heb. 12:6). It is fitting therefore to endure the counsel of the Lord with thanksgiving; then, instead of a second torment, we are charged with frequent illnesses and abuse of demonic thoughts. As he inflicted then, so now the enemy inflicts on the confessors of piety various sufferings with many annoyances and humiliations, so that the psalm’s word will be fulfilled on them: I have endured the Lord, and have heeded me (Ps. 39:2).
I am writing all this to you, firstly, so that you do not now think of leaving the work entrusted to you, but in the event of illness and resistance from the rebellious, you will be engaged in building a new monastery - so that you will receive a many and great reward from the Lord, as the word of God testifies: if bring forth the honorable from the unworthy, as My mouth shall be. And again: no one has more love to sow, but whoever lays down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
Secondly, in order for you to carry out your obedience without boredom and burden or disgust, remember the apostolic word: be patient with everyone, always rejoice.
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The sayings of Elder Ambrose are useful for believers; they are published in books
Even a short life of Ambrose of Optina cannot do without mention of his spiritual instructions. The statements of the Optina Elders have always been especially valued in Orthodoxy.
The Monk Ambrose of Otpinsky left for posterity a lot of information about the spiritual path of man. Here are some books dedicated to this heritage:
Collection of Letters of the Optina Elder Ambrose.
The book contains spiritual instructions from Ambrose of Optina to the laity and monastics. For example, here is one of the sayings:
“Collected Letters of the Optina Elder Ambrose” Buy on PSALOLM.RU
“You are worried about N’s poor health, and you are afraid that she will die soon. God be merciful!
In the monastery, the sick do not die soon, but drag on and drag on until the illness brings them real benefit.
In a monastery it is useful to be a little sick, so that the flesh, especially among young people, will rebel less, and less trifles will come to mind.
Otherwise, with full health, especially young people, what kind of wasteland does not come to mind.
The enemy, in order to lure them out of the monastery, promises them almost the entire kingdom of earth, and all sorts of benefits, and all sorts of pleasures, and things that are inconvenient to write. But in fact, if they listen, he rewards them with disgust.
Saint Demetrius of Rostov writes that the world promises gold, but gives gold.”
The prayer rule of Ambrose of Optina, read during temptations.
The elder’s sayings make it clear that he knew very well what kind of prayer helps with what. He composed his own prayer rule to strengthen a person’s spirit. Quote:
“The prayer rule of Ambrose of Optina, read during temptations” Buy at Orthodox Word on Pyatnitskaya
“Trust in the mercy and help of God and believe that the Lord is strong to deliver you from all the snares of man and the enemy.
It is said in the Psalms: “The Lord destroys the councils of tongues and sweeps away the thoughts of men; But the counsel of the Lord endures forever."
I am writing out for you the psalms that Saint David prayed when he was persecuted by his enemies: 3rd, 53rd, 58th, 142nd.
Choose words that are appropriate for you from these psalms and read them often, turning to God with faith and humility.
And when despondency overcomes you or unaccountable sorrow torments your soul, read Psalm 101.”
Life and spiritual instructions of St. St. Ambrose of Optina
Psalm to David, who at times fled from the face of Absalom his son, 3.
Lord, why have we multiplied the cold? Many people rise up against me, many people say to my soul: there is no salvation for him in his God. But you, Lord, are my Protector, my glory, and lift up my head. With my voice I cried to the Lord, and He heard me from His holy mountain. I fell asleep and fell asleep, and arose, as if the Lord would intercede for me. I will not be afraid of those people around who attack me. Arise, Lord, save me, my God, for you have struck down all those who were at enmity with me in vain: you have crushed the teeth of sinners. Salvation is the Lord, and Your blessing is upon Your people.
In the end, in songs of reason to David. Suddenly Zipheem came and said to Saul, “ Has David hidden himself in us?” 53.
God, in Your name save me and in Your power judge me. God, hear my prayer, inspire the words of my mouth. As strangers rose up against me, and sought my soul with strength, and did not offer God before them. Behold, God helps me, and the Lord is the Protector of my soul. Evil will turn away my enemy; consume them with Thy truth. I will devour You, I will confess to Your name, O Lord, that it is good that You have delivered me from all sorrow, and that my eye has looked upon my enemies.
In the end, let him not corrupt David in writing the pillars, when Saul sent and kept watch over his house, even before he put him to death, 58.
Deliver me from my enemies, O God, and deliver me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity and save me from the blood of men. For behold, you have caught my soul and attacked me with strongholds, lower my iniquity, lower my sin, Lord. Having flown without iniquity and corrected it, arise to meet me and see. And You, Lord God of hosts, God of Israel, visit all the nations, so that you may not restrain all those who practice iniquity. They will return in the evening and will hunger like a dog and will go around the city. These answer with their lips, and the sword is in their mouth, for who can hear? And You, Lord, laugh at them and destroy all languages. I will preserve my power towards You, for You, O God, are my Protector. My God, His mercy will go before me, my God will show me in all my adversities. Do not kill them, lest they forget Your law, scatter me with Your power, and bring me down, my Protector, Lord. The sin of their lips, the word of their lips, and let them be in their pride, and from oaths and lies they will be proclaimed in death. They will die in wrath, and they will not: but they will proclaim that God rules over Jacob and the ends of the earth. They will return in the evening, and will hunger like a dog, and will go around the city. The food will be scattered. If they are not satisfied, they will grumble. I will sing of Your power and rejoice in the morning about Your mercy, for You were my Protector and My refuge in the day of my tribulation. Thou art my helper, I sing to Thee: for thou art my God, my Protector, my God, my mercy.
Psalm to David, when his son Absalom persecuted him, 142.
Lord, hear my prayer, inspire my prayer in Your truth, hear me in Your righteousness: and do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living will be justified before You. Because the enemy drove away my soul, he humbled my life to eat in the ground, he planted me to eat in dark, like dead ages. And my spirit is sad within me, my heart is troubled within me. I have remembered the days of old, I have learned from all Your deeds, I have learned from Your handiwork. I lift up my hands to You, my soul, like a waterless land to You. Hear me soon, O Lord, my spirit has disappeared, do not turn Your face away from me, and I will become like those who go down into the pit. I hear you show me Your mercy in the morning, for I have trusted in You. Tell me, Lord, the way, I will go, as if I have taken my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Your Good Spirit will guide me to rightness on earth. For Thy name's sake, Lord, live me, by Thy righteousness remove my soul from sorrow. And by Your mercy consume my enemies and destroy all my cold souls, for I am Your servant.
The prayer of a beggar, when he is discouraged, and before the Lord he pours out his prayer, 101.
Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to You. Do not turn Your face away from me: even if I mourn for a day, incline Your ear to me: even if I call on You for a day, hear me soon. As if my days had disappeared like smoke, and my bones had dried up like dry land. I was wounded like grass, and my heart wasted away, as if I had forgotten to bear my bread. Because of the voice of my groaning my bone clings to my flesh. I became like the tawny owl of the desert, like a nighttime corvid on its dive. I walked and walked like a special bird here. All day long I have reproached you, and those who praise me swear by me. It became ashes like I ate bread, and I dissolved my drink with tears. From the presence of Thy anger and Thy wrath: for as Thou hast exalted Thou hast cast me down. My days have turned away like the shade, and I have dried up like hay. But You, Lord, remain forever, and Your memory endures forever. You have risen to show mercy to Zion, for the time has come to show mercy to it. For Thy servants have favored his stone, and his dust they will buffet. And the nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kingdoms of the earth will fear Your glory. For the Lord will build Zion and appear in His glory. Consider the prayer of the humble, and do not despise their prayers. Let this be written for generations, and the people of the land praise the Lord. As from His holy heights, the Lord looked down from Heaven to earth, to hear the groaning of the chained, to release the sons of the slain, to proclaim the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem. Sometimes the people and the king will gather together for the work of the Lord. Answer Him on the way of His strength: make known to me the decline of my days. Do not bring me to the end of my days: in the generation of your generations. In the beginning, O Lord, You founded the earth, and Your hand made the heavens. They will perish, but You remain, and all like a robe they will promise, and like a garment I will wear, and they will be changed. You are the same, and Your years will not fail. Your sons will dwell, and their seed will be perfected forever.
Psalm to David, 36.
Do not be jealous of those who are evil; be not jealous of those who commit lawlessness. Like the grass they will soon dry up, and like the potion of grain they will soon disappear. Trust in the Lord, and do goodness, and populate the earth, and enjoy its riches. Delight the Lord, and He will grant you the petitions of your heart. Open your way to the Lord, and trust in Him, and He will create: and He will bring forth your righteousness like light and your destiny like noonday. Obey the Lord and beg Him. Do not be jealous of a man who is late on his journey and commits a crime. Stop being angry and leave rage: do not be jealous or be deceitful. Those who are wicked will be consumed, but those who endure the Lord will inherit the earth. And yet a little while, and there will be no sinner: and you will seek his place, and will not find it. The meek ones will inherit the earth and enjoy the abundance of the world. The sinner looks down on the righteous and gnashes his teeth. The Lord will laugh at him and despise him, when his day comes. The sinner has drawn the sword, strained her bow, cast down the wretched and the poor, and slain the upright in heart. Let their sword enter into their hearts, and let their bows be broken. A little is better for the righteous than the much wealth of sinners. For the sinners' arms will be broken, but the Lord will strengthen the righteous. The Lord knows the way of the blameless, and their inheritance will endure forever. They will not be ashamed in times of cruelty, and in days of famine they will be satisfied, as sinners will perish. Defeat the Lord, become greatly glorified by them and ascend, vanishing like smoke. The sinner borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. For those who bless Him will inherit the earth, but those who curse Him will be consumed. From the Lord a man’s feet are straightened, and his ways are greatly delighted. Whenever he falls, he will not be broken, for the Lord strengthens his hand. The youngest was, for he grew old, and did not see the righteous man left, below his seed asking for bread. All day long the righteous one has mercy and gives back, and his seed will be a blessing. Turn away from evil, and do good, and dwell in the age of the century. For the Lord loves judgment and will not forsake His venerables, they will be preserved forever. But the wicked will marry, and the seed of the wicked will be consumed. The righteous women will inherit the earth and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous shall learn wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his feet will not falter. The sinner looks at the righteous and seeks to kill him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand; he will judge him even when he judges him. Be patient with the Lord, and preserve His way, and He will exalt you, even though you will inherit the earth, and be consumed by a sinner, you will see. I saw the wicked being exalted and towering like the cedars of Lebanon. And he passed by, and behold he was not, and sought him, and his place was not found. Maintain kindness and see righteousness, for there is a remnant for a man in peace. The wicked will be consumed together: the remnants of the wicked will be consumed. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, and their Protector is in time of tribulation. And the Lord will help them, and deliver them, and remove them from sinners, and save them, because they trusted in Him.
Psalm to David, before the anointing, 26.
The Lord is my enlightenment and my Savior, whom will I fear? The Lord is the Protector of my life, from whom shall I fear? Sometimes you come close to me with malice, even if you tear away my flesh, those who insult me and defeat me, you become weak and fall. Even if a regiment takes up arms against me, my heart will not fear, even if it rises up to fight against me, I will trust in Him. I have asked one thing from the Lord, and this I will require: that I may live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may behold the beauty of the Lord and visit His holy temple. Because He hid me in His village in the day of my evils, He covered me in the secret of His village, He lifted me up on a rock. And now, behold, I have lifted up my head against my enemies: I have eaten and devoured in His village the sacrifice of praise and shouting, I will sing and sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, my voice, where I cried: have mercy on me and hear me. My heart says to you: I will seek the Lord. I will seek Your face, O Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not turn Your face away from me, and do not turn aside in anger from Your servant: be my helper, do not reject me, and do not forsake me, O God of my Savior. For my father and mother abandoned me, but the Lord will accept me. Lay down the law, O Lord, in Thy way and guide me on the right path for my enemy’s sake. Do not betray me to the souls of those who are afflicted by me, as if I stood up as a witness to unrighteousness and lied untruthfully to myself. I believe in seeing the good Lord in the land of the living. Be patient with the Lord, be of good courage and let your heart be strong, and be patient with the Lord.
The praise of the song of David, not written among the Jews, 90.
Living in the help of the Most High, he will dwell in the blood of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the net of the trap, and from the words of rebellion, His splash will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not fear from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies in the days, from the things that pass in the darkness, from the grime and the demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you, but look with your eyes, and see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not approach your body, as His Angel commanded you about you, to keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but when you dash your foot against a stone, you will step on the asp and basilisk, and cross over the lion and the serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will destroy him, and I will glorify him, I will fill him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.
Finally, Psalm to David, 39.
I have endured and endured the Lord, and he has heeded me and heard my prayer. And bring me up from the pit of passions, and from the clay of the mire, and set my feet on the stone, and straighten my steps, and put in my mouth a new song, singing to our God. Many will see and fear, and trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man for whom the name of the Lord is his hope, and will not despise lying vanity and turmoil. Thou hast done many things, O Lord my God, Thy wonders, and by Thy thought there is no one who can be like Thee: I have proclaimed them in words, multiplying more than in number. You did not desire sacrifices and offerings, but you fulfilled the body for me, burnt offerings, and you did not require sin. Then he said, “Behold, I have come; in the book of the book it is written about me: I have pleased to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is in the midst of my belly.” The gospel of righteousness is great in the church; behold, I will not hinder my lips: Lord, you have understood. I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart, I have not hidden Your truth and Your salvation, I have not hidden Your mercy and Your truth from the multitude. But You, Lord, do not remove Your compassions from me: I will take Your mercy and Your truth away, intercede for me. Because the evil one has taken possession of me, which has no number, my iniquities have befallen me, and I am not able to see the hair of my head multiply, and my heart forsake me. Deign, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, come to my aid. Let those who seek to take away my soul be ashamed and put to shame, and let those who wish to harm me turn back and be ashamed. May those who say: good, good, receive their coldness. Let all who seek You, O Lord, rejoice and rejoice in You, and let them say: May the Lord be exalted, they who love Your salvation. But I am poor and wretched, the Lord will take care of me. Thou art my Helper and my Protector, O my God, do not become stubborn.
