Just as in visible manifestations people often took the holy Angels for people like them, so it can easily happen that a person will take their invisible actions for his own human or ordinary, natural actions. Is it accidental, for example, that in the midst of perplexity or some inactivity of the mind, a pure, holy, and salvific thought suddenly shines forth like lightning? That silence instantly reigns in a confused or cold heart, or the heavenly flame of love for God is kindled? If every manifestation by its nature testifies to the presence of an active force, then do not these inner manifestations of our soul testify to the presence of the heavenly Powers, which, out of love for mankind, throw rays into our minds and sparks into our hearts? Are these not the actions of the Angels, according to the words of the prophet Zechariah, speaking in us? What a pity that we do not notice this angelic help! For, not noticing it, we do not accept it as we should, and do not use it; Not making use of it, we remain ungrateful and guilty, and do not prepare ourselves for other similar visits, and in this way we even remove our guardians from us.

If we, people, distance ourselves from people whose inclinations are opposite to our inclinations, if the teacher renounces the disciple who does not heed the instructions, or the educator from the student who rejects guidance, even if the father removes the disobedient son, how can the holy angels not finally withdraw from us, if we do not follow their saving suggestions and leave their service fruitless for us? How can the heavenly Powers not withdraw from us, if we give ourselves up only to earthly things? How can pure spirits not depart if we live in the impurity of the flesh? How can the angels of God not depart if we constantly have in our thoughts and desires not God and His Christ, but the world and ourselves? Filaret, Metropolitan of Moscow (114, 214-215).

THANKSGIVING

Sacrifice of praise

God demands such a sacrifice from us: "Unto Thee will I offer a sacrifice of praise" (Psalm 115:8). This sacrifice is pleasing to Him, as the Prophet says: "I will praise the name of my God in song, I will exalt Him in praise, and it will be more pleasing to the Lord than an ox than a calf" (Psalm 68:31-32). This sacrifice should be offered by Christians in the evening, in the morning and at noon, following the example of the Psalmist: "In the evening, and in the morning, and at noon, I will beseech and cry out" (Psalm 54:18). It is better to bless the Lord at all times, as the same Prophet of God says of himself: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise is unceasingly in my mouth" (Psalm 33:2). If anyone wants to praise God in eternal life, let him not cease to praise and glorify Him here. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk (104:40).

Every day reveals to us innumerable blessings, whether we desire it or not, whether we know about it or not. God does not require anything from us except gratitude to Him for everything we have given, in order to give us an even greater reward for it. St. John Chrysostom (38, 560).

Has the day passed, give thanks to Him Who gave us the sun for the fulfillment of the day's affairs and Who gave us fire to illuminate the night and serve for other worldly needs (8:62).

If you put on a tunic, thank Him who gave it; put on a cloak, increase your love for God, Who has given us the veil for winter and summer, which preserves our life. St. Basil the Great (8:62).

By God's mercy we have many blessings of all kinds, but for recompense for them we have only one prayer and thanksgiving. I think that if we prolong our conversation with God for a lifetime, abiding in thanksgiving and prayer, then our recompense will be as invaluable as if we had not yet taken care to lay the foundation for it. St. Gregory of Nyssa (17:386).

Every good that we have, and every good that we do, is God's and from God. Therefore, it is our duty to thank Him for everything, for every good that is received from His generous right hand, manifest or implicit; for every good deed or podvig, for every victory over the enemies of our salvation, as we are commanded: "In all things give thanks: for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:18). Take care to warm up in yourself feelings of thanksgiving to God from the moment you wake up all day long, and fall asleep with words of gratitude on your lips, because you are immersed in God's blessings, including sleep itself. St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain (64, 229).

Consider everything that you have received not from other people, but from God, and give thanks to Him. St. Abba Isaiah (34:86).

Give thanks, mortals, to the Son, who has delivered us from the bondage in which death for our sins kept us. He forbade death, descended into hell, and brought the dead out of their graves. Who is able to repay Him for His goodness to our mortal race? St. Ephraim the Syrian (28:502).

In gratitude to God we must offer all that we have, because we do not have as much as we should. What shall we offer worthy of Him Who is above all recompense? St. Isidore Pelusiot (52, 334).

If we had a thousand souls within us, should we not lay down everything for the Lord? However, even in this way we will not do anything worthy of His blessings (42:176).