Do you believe that the devil is free? No! He is the most limited, because he is not in Christ … So do not be afraid! He has no strength. If you just knew how much effort Satan puts to interrupt our prayer. The biggest mistake is to engage in conversation with the demon. We should talk only to God. To chase him out, say: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” and turn to God. The strength of his name would pursue him. It suits the devil to get into conversation with him, because it means that you recognize him and with the prayer we ignore him. If we talk about hell, then we ignore heaven! Going the wrong way, ie being wrong means – hell. Pride is a diabolical condition, totally satanic. No other passion approaches the man more to the devil than his pride. If you do not listen to those whom God has appointed to listen to, it’s easy to understand that you listen more to Satan. The Lucifer’s decline is hopeless. The largest drop in just two words: “I am …” Indirectly, the devil confesses God through trials. There is no connection between good and evil. Our Saviour said, “Give me your heart!” But the devil says, “I only need one of your fingers,” through it, soon he would rule with all your being, with you all. The sin (its realization) brings humility. Then, it is understood that the devil play a “role” in our salvation, because it reveals our weaknesses and so helps us to grow up in Christ. If he knew that he helps us in our salvation, he would be less struggling …
Elder Arseny Papachok
