A Morning Spiritual Strategy: Preparing for Daily Temptations
The morning is a sacred time for Orthodox Christians, a moment to dedicate the day to God and prepare spiritually for the challenges ahead. The Church Fathers teach us that vigilance at dawn is essential for spiritual warfare, as the mind is most receptive to divine grace when unburdened by worldly distractions. As Lorenzo Scupoli writes in Unseen Warfare:
“Fight daily with great determination. Do not let the weakness of your nature be an excuse. If your strength fails you, ask more from God. He will not refuse your request. Consider this—if the fury of your enemies is great, and their numbers overwhelming, the love which God holds for you is infinitely greater. The Angel who protects you and the Saints who intercede for you are more numerous.”
This call to spiritual readiness echoes throughout Orthodox tradition, reminding us that while temptations abound, God’s grace and the intercession of His Saints are infinitely greater.
The Patristic Wisdom on Morning Vigilance
The Church Fathers consistently emphasized the importance of morning preparation. St. Basil the Great taught that mornings are consecrated to God because “the mind, unencumbered by worldly cares, is most receptive to divine light” (Homily on the Hexaemeron, 2.8). St. John Cassian advised monks to rise early to anticipate the devil’s schemes through prayer (Institutes, 3.3). Similarly, St. Theophan the Recluse likened morning prayer to a soldier polishing his weapons before battle (Unseen Warfare, Ch. 5).
St. John Chrysostom offers practical advice: “Upon waking, let your first thought be: ‘How shall I keep my soul from sin today?’ For he who plans his steps avoids many falls” (Homily 15 on Matthew). These teachings remind us that beginning each day with intentionality transforms it into an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Jesus’ Example in Facing Temptation
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13), He responded to each of Satan’s provocations with Scripture, quoting from Deuteronomy. For example:
– When tempted to turn stones into bread, He replied: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3).
– When challenged to test God by throwing Himself from the temple, He said: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
– When offered all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping Satan, He declared: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13).
Jesus’ use of Scripture demonstrates how knowing and committing to God’s Word equips us to resist temptation.
Evagrius of Pontus and “Talking Back”
Evagrius of Pontus, one of the great spiritual directors of early monasticism, developed a similar approach in his book Talking Back (Antirrhetikos). This monastic handbook provides over 500 Scripture passages tailored to counter specific temptations associated with what he called the eight logismoi (thoughts or vices): gluttony, lust (fornication), avarice, sadness (melancholy), anger, acedia (spiritual listlessness), vainglory, and pride. Evagrius taught that by “talking back” with relevant verses from Scripture, Christians could cut off demonic suggestions and overcome sinful thoughts.
A Morning Practice After Prayer
After completing your morning prayers—whether using a prayer rule from The Jordanville Prayer Book, St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Christian Prayers, or another Orthodox source—it is beneficial to spend time reflecting on likely temptations and preparing spiritually for them through three steps:
Step 1: Review Likely Temptations
Ask yourself:
– What situations today may provoke anger, pride, or lust?
– Where might I be tempted by acedia (spiritual sloth) or melancholy?
– How can I guard my senses during specific interactions?
This step requires self-awareness and humility in acknowledging where you are most vulnerable.
Step 2: Arm Yourself with Scripture
Select a verse for each vice based on St. John Cassian’s list of eight principal vices:
1. Gluttony: “Put a knife to thy throat if thou be a man given to appetite” (Proverbs 23:2).
2. Lust: “Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
3. Avarice: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth” (Matthew 6:19).
4. Anger: “Let all bitterness, wrath, and anger be put away from you” (Ephesians 4:31).
5. Sadness: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Hope in God” (Psalm 42:5).
6. Acedia: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
7. Vainglory: “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth” (Proverbs 27:2).
8. Pride: “God resisteth the proud but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
By meditating on these verses throughout the day, you align your thoughts with God’s truth.
Step 3: Plan Defenses for Common Circumstances
Anticipate specific challenges and prepare responses grounded in Scripture:
– Facing criticism: “Bless them that curse you” (Luke 6:28).
– Enduring gossip: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth” (Psalm 140:3).
– Avoiding idleness: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
– Resisting vanity: “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth” (Proverbs 27:2).
– Combating resentment: “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).
This practice equips you with practical tools to navigate life’s trials while remaining rooted in Christ.
A Prayerful Resolution
Conclude this practice by making specific resolutions for the day ahead:
– “Today I will guard my tongue from gossip when speaking to [X].”
– “I will say the Jesus Prayer silently during my commute.”
– “I will fast from [specific indulgence] until evening.”
Finally, offer this closing petition:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me and make me a warrior worthy of Thy calling. Let me neither sleep in sin nor fear the enemy but conquer through Thy Cross. Amen.”
Reflective Questions for Anticipating Temptations
A shortened way to prepare yourself effectively for the day’s spiritual battles that is based on St. John Cassian’s eight vices—gluttony, lust, avarice, anger, sadness (melancholy), acedia (spiritual sloth), vainglory, and pride—consider asking yourself:
1. Which vice most dominates my heart lately?
2. In what situations am I likely to encounter spiritual ambushes?
3. How can I guard my senses during specific interactions?
4. What Scripture verse will I carry inwardly as a defense against temptation?
For guidance on reviewing your day in light of these reflections and examining your conscience in the evening, refer to my other article on evening self-examination.
By dedicating each morning to God through prayerful preparation, we can walk humbly yet confidently through life’s challenges—strengthened by His grace and guided by His Word.
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, KJV)
Recommended Reading
For further guidance on combating temptations through Scripture and prayer, consider reading Evagrius’ Talking Back. This monastic handbook offers profound insights into using biblical passages as spiritual weapons against specific vices.
