"Lord, why is there so much beauty?"

Seeking to converse with God through pure imageless prayer resting in his heart, Eleazar's wonder at the beauty of creation was a difficulty for him, and he exclaimed with tears:

'Lord, why is there so much beauty in your creation which in your mercy you offer to your unworthy servant?'

Eleazar of Anzersk

Abba Macarius was asked

"How should one pray?" The old man said, "There is no need at all to make long discourses; it is enough to stretch out one's hands and say, "Lord, as you will, and as you know, have mercy." And if the conflict grows fiercer say, "Lord, help!" He knows very well what we need and he shews us his mercy."

Saying of the Desert Fathers, p. 131