Nothing is more serious, nothing more difficult to deal with, as I say repeatedly, than judging and despising our neighbor. Why do we not rather judge ourselves and our own wickedness which we know so accurately and about which we have to render an account to God? Why do we usurp God’s right to judge?
–Saint Dorotheus of Gaza (Sixth Century)
If He who is without sin prayed, how much more ought sinners to pray?
–Saint Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258)
He who asks God for a real favor, obtains it, for God is bountiful and generous, and readily bestows His gifts.
— Saint Gregory Nazianzen (329-c. 391)
God accepts our desires as though they were of great value. He longs ardently for us to desire and love him. He accepts our petitions for benefits as though we were doing him a favor. His joy in giving is greater than ours in receiving. So let us not be apathetic in our asking, nor set too narrow bounds to our requests; nor ask for frivolous things unworthy of God’s greatness.
–Saint Gregory Nazianzen (329-c. 391)
