During the days of the "desert fathers" (a 4th century Christian movement that tried to renew the church), a young man came to his spiritual mentor and father-figure named Sisoes. The young man blurted out, "I was hurt by my brother in Christ, and now I'm angry and I want to avenge myself."

The older man tried to comfort him, but he also gave him a gentle warning: "Don't do that, my child. Rather, leave vengeance to God."

But the young Christian refused to listen to Sisoes. Instead, he became even angrier and loudly said, "I will not quit until I get even."

When Sisoes saw that reason alone wouldn't change the young man's heart, he quietly said, "Let us pray, brother."

After a pause, Sisoes offered the following prayer: "O God, apparently we no longer need you to take care of us since we can now avenge ourselves. From now on we can manage our own lives without your help."

When the young man heard this prayer, he immediately repented. Falling at Sisoes feet, he cried out, "Have mercy on me. I am not going to fight my brother anymore."