When you approach Scripture, examine the intention of the words, in order to measure and understand with great discernment the depth and holiness of meaning that it holds. Those who throughout their life have been led toward enlightenment by grace feel all the time a kind of spiritual ray shining through the verses, and in the Spirit they identify the words and their deep meaning.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
In all things that you find in the Holy Scriptures, seek out the purpose of the words, that you may enter into the depth of the thoughts of the saints and understand them with greater exactness. Do not approach the reading of the Divine Scriptures without prayer and asking the help of God. Consider prayer to be the key to the true understanding of that which is said in the Holy Scriptures.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Do not approach the mysterious words in the scriptures without prayer and without asking help from God, saying: “Lord, grant me to perceive the power that is in them.” Deem prayer as the key to the insight of truth in scripture.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
In love did He bring the world into existence; in love does He guide it during this its temporal existence; in love is He going to bring it to that wondrous transformed state, and in love will the world be swallowed up in the great mystery of Him who has performed all these things; in love will the whole course of the governance of creation be finally comprised.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
When you come before God in prayer, be in your thought like an ant, like something crawling on the ground, like a child lisping. And in his presence make no pretence of knowledge. Approach God rather with the heart of a child. Go into his presence to receive the loving care with which parents look after their little children.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
Sit in the presence of the Lord every moment of your life, as you think of him and remember him in your heart. Otherwise, when you only see him after a period of time, you will lack freedom of converse with him, out of shame; for great freedom of converse is born out of constant association with him.
–Saint Isaac of Syria (Seventh Century)
