Do not be overly concerned with the judgements of fate

Elder Ambrose of Optina
The Will of God

Do not allow yourself to be overly concerned with the judgements of fate. Just have an unwavering desire for salvation and, standing before God, await His assistance until the time comes.

[Living without Hypocrisy, p. 19]

Force yourself to pray

Elder Ambrose of Optina

If you do not feel like praying, you have to force yourself. The Holy Fathers say that prayer with force is higher than prayer unforced. You do not want to, but force yourself. The Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force (cf. Matt. 11:12).

[Elder Ambrose of Optina, p. 25]

Circumstances indicate the path beneficial to our soul

Elder Ambrose of Optina
The Path to Salvation

The mistake on our part is that we do not want to submit our will to the all-good Divine Providence, which indicates to us through circumstances the path beneficial to our soul. Instead we look for some sort of peaceful way for ourselves which exists only in our dreams, and in reality is nowhere on earth. There will be rest not for everyone, but only for a few, when they sing: With the saints give rest ...

[Living without Hypocrisy, p. 142]