Dave:
Here's a piece of advice I found in my reading that I copied and have on a card to remind me of what's important. No matter what discipline one uses, this seems to apply.
Prayer, fasting, vigils, and all other Christian practices, however good they may be in themselves, certainly do not constitute the aim of our Christian life: they are but the indispensible means of attaining them.
FOR THE TRUE AIM OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS THE ACQUISTIION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.
As for fasts, vigils, prayer, and almsgiving, and other good works done in the name of the Christ, they are only the means of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God. Note well that it is only good works done in the name of Christ that bring us the fruits of the Spirit.
St. Seraphim of Sarov
Last edited by theophan; 07/30/11 09:38 AM.