I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?


John Cassian's Eight Thoughts
- Gluttony
- Lust
- Greed (or love of money)
- Anger
- Dejection
- Acedia (which means apathy or listlessness or laziness)
- Vainglory (which means boasting or showing off)
- Pride

Jesus prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Actively resist sin and fight against our sin nature

· Throw off everything that hinders and sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1)
· Gouge out your eye (Matthew 18:9)
· Resist the devil (James 4:7)
· Put to death the things of this world (Colossians 3:5)
· Flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)


Gluttony – Fast from one meal in the next week and replace that time with prayer. (If you can’t fast from food, then fast from your afternoon coffee or energy drinks)

Lust – Become mindful of the shows you are watching and the sites you visit, and commit to not watch things that stimulate lust.

Greed – Lean into generosity every chance you get this week. Forego buying something for yourself and gift that money to someone else.

Anger – Forgive those who have hurt you and practice breath prayers this week as a way to calm your inner world or take time to pray for those people who frustrate you.

Dejection – Start a gratitude journal: begin each day this coming week by naming ten things you are thankful for.

Acedia (Apathy/Listlessness) – Commit to prayer walking each day this week.

Vainglory (Boasting) – Don’t make any posts on social media this week that highlight how awesome you are.

Pride – Think about yourself less this week by thinking of others.