St. John Cassian, a Romanian monk, traveled far and wide, seeking wisdom from the Desert Fathers in Egypt. He brought their teachings back to the West, establishing monasteries in Gaul. One day, a farmer complained to Cassian that his prayers were not answered. Cassian replied, "Do you work the land?" The farmer said yes. Cassian asked, "Do you irrigate?" Again, the farmer said yes. "Do you plow, sow, and weed?" Each time, the farmer affirmed his labor. Cassian then said, "So you do everything in your power, trusting God for the increase? Do the same with your prayers. Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you." O #Lord, guide us to act with both faith and diligence. #Prayer #Saints #OrthodoxChristian #Wisdom #Monasticism