Archim. John Krestiankin (d. Feb 5, 2006): 8 Sayings on Spiritual life and Prayer
...and take this prayer to heart: “Lord! You know all things. Do with me as You will. Amen.”
Spiritual life is constant, endless, life-long work. In this struggle there are victories and defeats. But let us overcome everything in the name of Christ. And woe to anyone who suddenly, at the instigation of the enemy, sees himself completely prosperous and content.
In spiritual life there is no one recipe for everyone. Therefore, do not apply all examples to yourself.
Peace of mind can be acquired only after you struggle with your passions.
Learning to pray is a long task and a mighty work. It is a school in which you need much patience. But on the other hand, for those who endure all the hardships of this science, life becomes a joy in the Lord. Begin this work by acquiring attention to your thoughts and the ability to instantly turn a repentant sigh to the Lord. Don’t think highly of yourself, and the Lord will help you. “If you want to live easily and close to God, keep your heart high and your head low.”
Pray often with short prayers: “Lord, have mercy!”, “Lord, help me!” - learning to do everything in life with God's blessing and with God's help. And take this prayer to heart: “Lord! You know all things. Do with me as You will. Amen.”
Our goal is not to starve and exhaust ourselves, but to pray and learn how to humbly surrender ourselves to God’s will, and to patiently endure all that the Lord allows.
Do not fall into despondency, for it takes power away from prayer.
Pray for those you want to help and entrust them to God. His power and authority are real, while ours only appear so.
The life of Fr. John Krestiankin (from Orthodox Wiki):
Father John (Ioann, Иоанн, secular name Ivan Mikhaylovich Krestiankin, Russian: Иван Михайлович Крестьянкин; April 11, 1910 - Feburary 5, 2006) - archimandrite of the Pskov-Caves Monastery of Russian Orthodox Church.
He was born in 1910 in the town of Oryol as an eighth child in the family of Mikhail and Elizaveta Krestiankin. The name Ioann was given to the boy in honour of Saint Ioann of Desert. His letters and theological works are well known and widely published in Russia and some other countries. Many cases of Fr. John's clairvoyance and wonderworking were recorded.
In 1950 John was arrested by Soviet authorities for his pastoral service and sentenced for seven years of labour camps. He was freed in 1955.
Father John Krestiankin was a spiritual father and confessor for many Orthodox parishioners, providing religious instructions and guidances on various aspects of faith and Christian life within Orthodox Church.
Among his most famous books are "The Experience of Preparing a Confession", "Sermons, Thoughts and Congratulations", "Reference Book for Monastics and Laymen", the compilation "Letters of Archimandrite Ioann (Krestiankin)".
John Krestiankin died on Feb. 5, 2006 at the age of 95 years.