When Abba Antony was living in the desert, he was greatly troubled by dryness of spirit. Tied in knots by the multiplicity of his thoughts he cried out to God. “Lord, I earnestly desire to be on the path of salvation but my chaotic thoughts don’t allow me. What shall I do in this tribulation, or how may I become worthy of salvation, please tell me!” A little later, as he looked out, he saw someone like himself, sitting down weaving ropes, then getting up from his work to pray. It was an Angel sent to help Antony. “If you do likewise, Antony, you will be saved,” he heard the Angel say. He was overcome with the greatest feeling of joy, and with renewed confidence was reassured.
