Saint Silouan the Athonite (1866–1938) wrote:
Everyone desires peace, but they do not know how to obtain it.
Saint Paisios the Great (4th century) was overcome by anger and begged the Lord to free him from this passion. The Lord appeared to him and said: Paisios, if you wish not to become angry, desire nothing, judge no one, and hate no one – and you will have peace.
Thus, every person who yields his own will before God and before others will always be peaceful in soul. But whoever loves to do his own will shall have no peace.
A soul that has surrendered itself to the will of God easily endures every sorrow and every sickness; for in time of illness it remains before the sight of God and prays: Lord, you see my sickness. You know how sinful and weak I am. Help me to endure and to give thanks for your goodness.
And the Lord lightens the pain, and the soul feels the nearness of God and abides close to him, filled with joy and gratitude.
If you suffer some failure, think: The Lord sees my heart, and if it is his will, all will turn to the good, for me and for others.
In this way your soul will always have peace.
But if one begins to complain, saying: This is not good, that is not as it should be – then there will never be peace in that soul, even if he fasts and prays much.
The Apostles had completely surrendered themselves to the will of God; only thus is peace preserved. Likewise, all the great saints endured every sorrow, having entrusted themselves wholly to the will of God.
The Lord loves us, and therefore we need fear nothing, except sin; for because of sin grace is lost, and without the grace of God the enemy drags the soul away as the wind carries dry leaves or smoke.
We must always remember that the enemies fell through pride, and they strive in every way to push us into the same delusion – and they have deceived many.
But the Lord said: Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls.
O merciful Lord, give us your peace, as you gave peace to your holy Apostles: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.’ Lord, grant that we also may partake of your peace. Your holy Apostles received your peace and spread it throughout all the world; and while they saved the people, they did not lose your peace, Lord, nor was it diminished within them.
Blessed be the Lord, for he loves us and gives us his peace and the grace of the Holy Spirit.
