This Friday is the feast of St. Anthony of the Desert (ca. 269-374), a man of remarkable holiness who is often referred to as the 'Father of the Monks' and whose wisdom is as sought after today as it was 1500 years ago. In his 105 years on Earth, he impart much of that wisdom, but two things in particular strike. To Abba Poemen he once said, "This is the great work of a man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God and to expect temptation to his last breath." Acknowledging that we can expect temptations from today until the day the good Lord calls us home, we offer today in St. Anthony's honor:
A Prayer in Time of Temptation
Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit.
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