As soon as you wake up in the morning and say the prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” try first of all to withdraw into your heart. When you do this, remember that on one side is the enemy and the evil desires with which you are fighting and which are ready to attack you. Therefore, immediately make a decision, either to win or to die, but not to withdraw. Remember that in the same way on the other side is your victorious Leader, the Lord Christ, with His Most Holy Mother and a host of holy Angels led by the Archangel Michael, ready to help you, and therefore rejoice!
Elder Thaddeus Vitovtinsky
Orthodox Spiritual Teachings from the Holy Elders
