Fathers Sayings - Abba John The Dwarf

Abba Poemen said of Abba John the Dwarf that he had prayed God to take his passions away from him so that he might become free from care.


He went and told an old man this: ‘I find myself in peace, without an enemy,’ he said. The old man said to him, ‘Go, beseech God to stir up warfare so that you may regain the affliction and humility that you used to have, for it is by warfare that the soul makes progress.’


So he besought God and when warfare came, he no longer prayed that it might be taken away, but said, ‘Lord, give me strength for the fight.’

Prayer and Supplication Verse and Quote

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6: 18 ESV

Prayer changes things, but more importantly.. Prayer changes you!

Psalms 148

Chapter 148

1. Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!

2. Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

3. Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light!

4. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!

5. Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

6. He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away.

7. Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths;

8. Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

9. Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars;

10. Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl;

11. Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

12. Both young men and maidens; Old men and children.

13. Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven.

14. And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints--Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the LORD!

Psalms 149

Chapter 149

1. Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints.

2. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3. Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

4. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

5. Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds.

6. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand,

7. To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples;

8. To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;

9. To execute on them the written judgment--This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!