The more you perceive the mercy of God, my child, the more lovingly you will be united with Him. And the more you fathom the magnificence of God’s majesty, the more you will immerse yourself in your nothingness, with a corresponding ascent to the state of spiritual knowledge.
The more humility you mix with your unceasing prayer, the more intensely you will feel Jesus, and your heart will feel like another burning bush.
Raise your mind up above where our life and joy are, for according to the Apostle Paul, “our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20 ). Long whole-heartedly for the things above, and this holy longing will make monasticism light and very sweet for you.
During rapture of the nous by the grace of God, wonder will follow upon wonder, and it will stand completely ecstatic before the abundant light of apprehending the knowledge of God.
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
