In this episode, Fr. David discusses how everything we have belongs to God . . . including our free time.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the onslaught of thoughts the demons launch at us and how only a disciplined intellect will prevail.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how easily we are led astray and how simple provocations become sin when embodied.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons which attack us have been tempting us since Adam; yet, the experience we gain from the Jesus prayer and Holy Orthodoxy help us to win the battle.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how, for our hearts to be gladdened and softened, we must spend consistent time with Jesus Christ and His Holy Name.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how precious the statutes of God are and how we know when we’re keeping them.

In this episode, Fr. David continues yesterday’s theme of Jesus as our helper and king.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of calling out for Jesus to help us every time we sit down to eat.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the positive side of humiliation and the need to avoid despair.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we are not to have confidence in ourselves.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the spiritual nature of our battle against physical desires.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the reality of “battle fatigue” and the need to remember God’s love for us.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how reliance on our rational thinking can derail our entire watchful eating journey.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses four connected virtues needed to keep both heart and body undefiled.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to subject the body to the rule of the soul.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how silence helps purify the mind and keep it focused on God.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how silence helps purify the mind and keep it focused on God.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how something as simple as talking too much can lead to other sins.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how eliminating our self-will through obedience to the Church aids us in our journey.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what is required of us if we deeply desire to learn watchfulness.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the key to successful watchfulness is to practice it over and over again for life.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the key to successful watchfulness is to practice it over and over again for life.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how both good and bad days of watchful eating are to be given to God.

In this episode, Fr. David reminds us that watchful eating is meaningless if our focus is only on earthly benefits.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of patience, stillness and perseverance.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what happens when we put our trust in ourselves rather than God.

In this episode, Fr. David warns us that our attitude, when it comes to “good days” of watchful eating, can become an idol.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses St. Paul’s letter to the Romans and our need to recognize our weakness.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons want us to think they’ve been beaten . . . only to trick us again.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses that when we look into our hearts, we see not only ourselves, but also the demons.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of spiritual perception and self-preservation against the demons.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses our greatest weapon for battle.

In this episode, Fr. David draws on the Holy Scriptures to discuss having a good defense at all times.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the paradox of spiritual growth.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of spiritual contemplation.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to bar entry to evil thoughts.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the constant remembrance of our death.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must invest in our defenses against our enemies.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of the name of Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the practice of emptying ourselves to be filled with Christ.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to scrutinize every mental image and thought.

In this episode, Fr. David introduces the various types of watchfulness.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness addresses multiple aspects of life, but we must be patient and defeat one foe at a time.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses fasting in imitation of Christ Himself.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our evil thoughts fill the space between our intention and our action.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the depths within us if we center our lives on the Jesus prayer.

In this episode, Fr. David reminds that if we are to truly embrace the “watchful eating” journey, we must be consistent in the basics.

Today Fr. David speaks about how repentance is the true key to our watchful eating journey.

Today Fr. David speaks about how to have a good defense before you need it.

Today Fr. David speaks about how to counteract fleeting thoughts.

Today Fr. David speaks about how watchfulness in eating aids us in spiritual warfare.

Today Fr. David speaks about the importance of keeping our watchful eating hidden.

Today Fr. David speaks about the importance of keeping our watchful eating hidden.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between Christian watchfulness and secular mindfulness

Today Fr. David speaks about how cultivating the virtue of watchfulness will help us in entering eternity.

Today Fr. David speaks about the blessing and the temptations of having unbridled access to food.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses “provocations” and the role they play in our development of watchfulness.

Fr. David begins a new (and re-written) year of the Watchful Eating journey. Join him as he once again defines the concept of "Watchful Eating".

One year later, we have come to the end of our Watchful Eating journey. Join Fr. David Smith as he reflects on the last year, and looks ahead to the next one.

In this episode, Fr. David reflects on verses involving food in the Philokalia.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses spiritual education.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the advantages of "setting aside" certain foods instead of giving them up for good.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the nurturing of temptation.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the true pleasures of Christianity.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses distraction and gluttony.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses life and purpose.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses critical self-examination.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses sight and temptation.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the value of repenting our failures

In this episode, Fr. David discusses becoming angelic.

In this episode, Fr. David reflects on our readings and tradition.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses mindless gluttony.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses thinking about the future.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses holy thinking.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the inherent power of Jesus' name.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses good and evil images

In this episode, Fr. David discusses patience and the Watchful Eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to identify evil thoughts.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses persistence in the Watchful Eating journey.

In this episode, Fr. David Discusses the opposite of humility - pride and vanity,

In this episode, Fr. David discusses confidence and its relationship with pride.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses gentle humility.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses reflecting on death with humility.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the sin of gluttony

In this episode, Fr. David teaches us how not to be "forgetful hearers".

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between perfection and persistence.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses repentance and keeping our hearts pure.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses managing chatter - both internal and external.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses battling our spiritual demons

In this episode, Fr David discusses the presence of the demons in our lives.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the duty of the Jesus Prayer.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the relationship between our thoughts and shame.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses our desire to hunt earthly things.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses our "why" of life.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses testing our thoughts.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the natural state for our souls.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the small steps of our Watchful Eating journey.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses vices and how they can build.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses choosing freedom over convenience.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the pride that can hide behind our successes

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the dangers of self-importance.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the Jesus prayer and temptation

In this episode, Fr. David discusses demons and sin.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses topology on our Watchful Eating journey.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses managing one's outer senses and inner self.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses living the sacrament.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses our connection with Christ - the "thin membrane".

In this episode, Fr. David discusses recovering from a lapse in one's journey.

In this episode. Fr. David discusses the resources we have on our journey - and the importance of their continued use.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the benefits of the Jesus Prayer on our Watchful Eating journey.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses applying our readings to our daily lives and practicing spiritual mastery.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the different levels of God's light.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses self-control and guarding one's intellect.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses plans: God's and ours, and how the two intersect.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how vigilance is necessary to lead a christian life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses why it's important to examine our motivations.

In this episode, Fr. David encourages us to fight despondency on our journey.

In this episode, Fr. David speaks on making your Watchful Eating journey more personal.

In this episode, Fr. David looks back on his Watchful Eating journey.

In this episode, Fr. David reflects on our departure from this life. What will we leave behind, and how will we be judged?

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the benefits of a monastic approach to watchfulness.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses a challenging passage and its hidden metaphor.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses choices - and how God reaches us through all of them.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how God calls us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what awaits those of us who are able to empty our heart of images & thoughts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the remembrance of death shows us that nothing else matters

In this episode, Fr. David discusses combatting images of material and worldly things.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the watchful eating journey, and the spiritual life as a whole, involves a cooperation with God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to avoid being judged

In this episode, Fr. David discusses partnering the power of prayer with watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses demonic forms and how, when we entertain them, we become judgmental

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the contents of our hearts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses death and our last moments

In this episode, Fr. David discusses spiritual maturity

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the present eternity

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between knowledge and knowing God.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses contemplation and spiritual knowledge

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between these two powers in our lives

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the human tendency to return to the sin we have already left behind

in this episode, Fr. David discusses how our thoughts can run ignorantly after demonic fantasies.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the steps we go through, from an evil thought to a sinful action, and how to drive them from our hearts.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what it means to invoke the name of Jesus Christ

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the raising of Lazarus and how we must reject any instability in our soul

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the great bully we’ve referenced all week is the sin that lives within us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his repentance

In this episode, Fr. David discusses Moses the lawgiver and his faith

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the virtue of rebuking oneself.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the Jesus Prayer can eliminate even the thoughts we didn’t intend to hold on to

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the tradition of quoting the psalms

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need for confession to be rid of the things that block us from holy thinking

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the virtue of pouring out our hearts in confession to God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must never return to where we were at the beginning of the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the use of the Scriptures & the writings of the fathers to guide us on our long, arduous journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses living the faith that has been fully revealed

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how everything we need has been established in the Church. We only need to become quiet enough to hear what the Church is teaching.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses denying the intellect in order to contemplate God alone

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the things of this world in which we get stuck

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how, after 32 weeks of watchful eating, it’s easy to get back on track when we have a bad day or two

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how God will defeat our enemies and give us the tools necessary to succeed on our journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses aspiration and the need to keep our goals at the forefront of our lives

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness applies to our speech

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to use the three aspects of the soul to the glory of God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must not let up after making progress on the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what our life - and afterlife - would look like without Christ

In this episode, Fr. David discusses monitoring our thoughts and actions each hour of the day

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the fear of hell and the tension between body and soul

In this episode, Fr. David discusses preparing for the watchful eating journey by purifying the heart

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the mastery of evil thoughts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the narrow path of fasting

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what carries us along the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the lies the demons tell us have everything to do with who is God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we behave like Judas when we believe the lies of the demons

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what progress on the watchful eating journey looks like

In this episode, Fr. David discusses spiritual testing

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the progress we’ve made the distance we’re yet to travel

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between watchfulness and attentiveness

In this this episode, Fr. David reminds us that we are continually assailed by demons, despite our asceticism

In this episode, Fr. David discusses all of the benefits that come from watchfulness and the reading of Scripture; however, reading alone benefits little if we do it without understanding

In this episode, Fr. David discusses a few more aspects about spiritual warfare

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the function of the Old and New Testaments as icons

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the role of watchfulness in combating the imagination

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the virtue of forcing oneself not to sin

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how spiritual living is impossible without watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how knowledge is the foundation of self-control

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to look into our own hearts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses profit and vindication in prayer

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of praying the Jesus Prayer out loud

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the use of the Jesus Prayer in spiritual warfare

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the goal of the journey to watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the proper focus of the mind will allow God to illumine our intellect

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must preserve the tools that preserve us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how forgetfulness will completely derail our journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the Holy Eucharist helps us in our watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what it means to take the Kingdom by force

In this episode, Fr. David discusses habits

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how mastering inward spiritual warfare is impossible without humility

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the Jesus Prayer disperses the evil thoughts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the balance that comes from combining watchfulness with the Jesus Prayer

In this episode, Fr. David discusses again how we desperately need a disposition of gratitude

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the enemy is always ready for battle

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the meditation on our death as if it were to happen right now

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how prayer & attentiveness are closely related

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the contemplation of whatever is full of delight, spiritual and close to God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the process of listening to God, eating good things and having a soul that delights

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the role of thanksgiving and praise in the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the necessity of faith when it comes to prayer and watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses sowing and reaping

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must purge our hearts to prepare them for illumination

In this episode, Fr. David discusses two examples of eating & drinking in the Scriptures which are very different from one another.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the strategy of eliminating thoughts before they become actions

In this episode, Fr. David discusses aspects of the spiritual life that season and preserve our inner selves

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how true change must start in the heart

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must want to want to follow God if we ever hope to actually do it

In this episode, Fr. David discusses praying for the right things, in the right way

In this episode, Fr. David discusses purity, humility, and simplicity

In this episode, Fr. David discusses spiritual pride

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our trials are permitted by God to help us in the ascetic life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what happens when we sin

In this episode, Fr. David discusses a passage of Scripture that sums up the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses obedience and freedom

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the scriptural concept of being a voluntary slave to Christ

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how sin slowly wounds our heart and dissolves our intention to watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our physicality effects our spirituality

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the power of the name of the Lord

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how guarding the intellect establishes a watch tower over our spiritual life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the two things needed for true freedom

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the deceptions of the demons when it comes to the quelling of the passions

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the proper role of asceticism in the spiritual life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the voice that calls us to the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the deep, hidden passions in our souls can only be revealed when their cause is identified

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we all are weak and fall short, yet this is not our final end!

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between external and internal change

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the dangers of ignorance in the spiritual journey and the opposite extremes that come with it

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what it means to love God and how all of us need to, and can, grow in our love for God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must always focus on the interior life first

In this episode, Fr. David discusses two virtues that form the base of the watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how self-control is the beginning of the ascetic life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the spiritual practice of reviewing each day in our conscience

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the difference between faithful and faithless servants

In this episode, Fr. David discusses ways we can examine ourselves in order to cultivate humility

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how humility kills all that is evil within us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how constant invocation of the name of Jesus is a better means of success than self-resolution

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the Orthodox ascetic life of prayer and how it leads to our complete transformation

If Christ were to return today, would He find us, the doorkeepers, watchful and ready?

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how mere intellectual belief is not enough if we do not act upon it

In this episode, Fr. David discusses that the Church is the only place where we can escape the evils that have power over us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what comes naturally to us and what does not; namely, the spiritual disciplines

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the three passions which blind our intellect

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the parable of the wise and foolish virgins and how we must know the Bridegroom before He comes in the night

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the principle of sowing and reaping

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how misfortunes can help us build character if we allow it

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of not only guarding our minds but also patiently enduring the trials that come if we fail to do so

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness frees not only our intellect but our 5 senses also

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of meditating on all of the blessings God has given us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to zealously cultivate watchfulness by reviewing our sins and our former life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses another spiritual exercise to help us on our watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the ongoing journey of watchfulness and how we never fully arrive in this life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses senseless and sensible thoughts and how they must be put to death and put away as soon as they enter our spiritual heart

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the Orthodox view on imagination in prayer

In this episode, Fr. David discusses a spiritual exercise for discerning the good and evil imprinted on our hearts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must prepare for battle in the first moments of each day

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the devil traps us by means of thoughts and fantasies

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how sin only enters our hearts if we let it

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how everything we have belongs to God . . . including our free time

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the onslaught of thoughts the demons launch at us and how only a disciplined intellect will prevail.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how easily we are led astray and how simple provocations become sin when embodied.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons which attack us have been tempting us since Adam; yet, the experience we gain from the Jesus prayer and Holy Orthodoxy help us to win the battle.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how, for our hearts to be gladdened and softened, we must spend consistent time with Jesus Christ and His Holy Name.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how precious the statutes of God are and how we know when we’re keeping them.

In this episode, Fr. David continues yesterday’s theme of Jesus as our helper and king

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of calling out for Jesus to help us every time we sit down to eat.

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the positive side of humiliation and the need to avoid despair

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we are not to have confidence in ourselves

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the spiritual nature of our battle against physical desires

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how reliance on our rational thinking can derail our entire watchful eating journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the reality of “battle fatigue” and the need to remember God’s love for us

In this episode, Fr. David discusses four connected virtues needed to keep both heart and body undefiled

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to subject the body to the rule of the soul

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how silence helps purify the mind and keep it focused on God

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how something as simple as talking too much can lead to other sins

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how eliminating our self-will through obedience to the Church aids us in our journey

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what is required of us if we deeply desire to learn watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the key to successful watchfulness is to practice it over and over again for life

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how both good and bad days of watchful eating are to be given to God

In this episode, Fr. David reminds us that watchful eating is meaningless if our focus is only on earthly benefits

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of patience, stillness and perseverance

In this episode, Fr. David discusses what happens when we put our trust in ourselves rather than God

In this episode, Fr. David warns us that our attitude, when it comes to “good days” of watchful eating, can become an idol

In this episode, Fr. David discusses St. Paul’s letter to the Romans and our need to recognize our weakness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how the demons want us to think they’ve been beaten . . . only to trick us again

In this episode, Fr. David discusses that when we look into our hearts, we see not only ourselves, but also the demons

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of spiritual perception and self-preservation against the demons

In this episode, Fr. David discusses our greatest weapon for battle

In this episode, Fr. David draws on the Holy Scriptures to discuss having a good defense at all times

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the paradox of spiritual growth

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of spiritual contemplation

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how to bar entry to evil thoughts

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the constant remembrance of our death

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how we must invest in our defenses against our enemies

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the importance of the name of Jesus Christ

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the practice of emptying ourselves to be filled with Christ

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the need to scrutinize every mental image and thought

In this episode, Fr. David introduces the various types of watchfulness

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how watchfulness addresses multiple aspects of life, but we must be patient and defeat one foe at a time

In this episode, Fr. David discusses fasting in imitation of Christ Himself

In this episode, Fr. David discusses how our evil thoughts fill the space between our intention and our action

In this episode, Fr. David discusses the depths within us if we center our lives on the Jesus prayer

In this episode, Fr. David reminds that if we are to truly embrace the “watchful eating” journey, we must be consistent in the basics

Today Fr. David speaks about how repentance is the true key to our watchful eating journey

Today Fr. David speaks about how to have a good defense before you need it

Today Fr. David speaks about how to counteract fleeting thoughts

Today Fr. David speaks about how watchfulness in eating aids us in spiritual warfare

Today Fr. David speaks about the importance of keeping our watchful eating hidden.

Today Fr. David speaks about the difference between Christian watchfulness and secular mindfulness

Today Fr. David speaks about how cultivating the virtue of watchfulness will help us in entering eternity

Today Fr. David speaks about the blessing and the temptations of having unbridled access to food.

Today Fr. David speaks about “provocations” and the role they play in our development of watchfulness.

Fr. David introduces listeners to his podcast, as well as to St. Hesychios, and explains what he means by “watchful eating.”