Grace Chooses Well-Known Means

"The grace of God is accustomed, in order to have an effect on us, to choose well-known means... Apply these means to yourself and proceed under their sign and influence."
Saint Theophan the Recluse

Here are the well-known means as outlined by Saint Theophan:
1. His churches and the church rubrics.  Go to church regularly and participate in the services attentively and reverently.  The church, the order of the services, the hymns and readings all can have an effect.
2. Grace also works through the Word of God.  Read it regularly.
3. Engage in discussion with pious people.  Go visit the monasteries or other pious people you know and have a discussion.
4. Help those in need.  Their prayers are powerful.

Reference: Path to Salvation, pp 144-145


Ten Points for an Orthodox Life