The early church elders (I don't call them "Fathers" because Jesus said for us not to address any man as such) were true spirituals. You won't find their teachings in western churches. So, we are ill-equipped for spiritual battle. But, these ancient elders knew how to defeat passions of the flesh and secret thoughts of the heart, along with the fiery darts (evil thoughts) that bombard us daily from demonic forces. We can overcome these with the Jesus prayer and turn our heart and mind back to God to sit continually in His presence. Interior prayer is possible regardless what exercise or work our outside body might be engaged in or what unpleasant circumstances we may find ourselves in. We just have to learn how to do it. Paul commanded, "Pray without ceasing." This must be possible or he would never have commanded we do it.

My addiction is sugar (sweets). I eat and drink sugar continually for energy and for a high. But the bottom is deep and when I come down, I am exhausted! Not to mention how bad it is for me and my body! But, since I have been praying the Jesus prayer, sweets have become repulsive to me! I'm serious. Food is no longer a struggle. I have lost several pounds. I moved my belt up one notch just this morning! It is amazing. I'm calling it the Jesus prayer diet!

The ancient elders taught us to stop eating while still hungry and to eat humble food, not rich food. So, I have almost completely come off of rich deep-fried food and meat. I eat it very seldom. And, even then, very small portions. I have always had a problem with digestion and abstaining from rich food and large portions (especially large meat portions) seems to have fixed my digestion problems!

Discover the amazing power that defeats personal demons in our lives. The Name of Jesus has real power and praying continually keeps us in God's presence continually. This is a true out-of-this-world experience as we continue to be in this world.

Pray. Unceasingly.