A little spiritual reading or study, when carried out prior to prayer, is very helpful because the soul is warmed and the mind is transported to the spiritual realm.
St. Paisios of Mount Athos
This Saint, a Parthian by race, was the son of Anak. He was born about the year 240 and was taught the Faith of Christ in Caesarea of Cappadocia. He entered the service of Tiridates, King of Armenia, but when discovered to be a Christian, he was subjected to many horrible torments at the King's hands, then was cast into a pit of mire with poisonous serpents and left to die. By the power of God, however, he abode there unharmed for fourteen years, his needs provided by a certain widow, until he was made known by revelation and set free. He converted to piety innumerable multitudes of Armenians, including Tiridates himself, and was consecrated bishop by Leontius, Archbishop of Caesarea, to shepherd the vast flock he had gained for Christ. He spent the last part of his life in retirement in the ascetical discipline, and reposed in peace about the year 325. Saint Gregory is honoured as the Illuminator of Armenia. From the GOARCH Website
Patient endurance is the fruit of love, for 'love patiently endures all things' (I Cor. 13:7),and teaches us to achieve such endurance by forcing ourselves so that through patience we may attain love... St. Gregory Palamas
God knows when to give us what we ask for, so we won't be harmed spiritually. Sometimes we ask God for something, but we have no patience and are troubled. Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
