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Three Hermits and the power of simple prayer
''Three Capuchin Friars Meditating in their Hermitage'' by Alessandro Magnasco (1657/1667)
Photo: Vincent Steenberg

The Three Hermits

And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.”Gospel of St. Matthew vi. 7, 8.

Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy

“The Three Hermits” is a short story by Russian author Leo Tolstoy written in 1885. It appears in the short-story collection Twenty-Three Tales which was first translated into English in 1907. The title refers to its three central characters; unnamed simple monks living on a remote island in a life of prayer and contemplation “for the salvation of their souls.”

The moral of the story centres around the power of simple prayer.

It is a beautiful, moving short story, only about seven pdf pages long. You can find an online version here:

About Judy

mm
Hi, I'm one of a group of authors and editors for the Sydney Goodwill website.

2 comments

  1. Jana, That is a beautiful “post”! Thank you

  2. This story reminds me of the reference on page 185 of “The Rays & the Initiations” by Alice A. Bailey: “Simplification proceeds rapidly as one nears the goal of the spirit.”

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