I read some awesome commentary on Matthew 13:3-23. It is the parable of the sower. Here is what Clark Carlton says in his book, The Life: The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation:

"God wants all men to e saved. He offers salvation to all. Yet it is up to us whether or not His grace will find fertile soil in our hearts in which to grow and bear fruit. Prayer, fasting, vigils and all of the other works that the Church prescribes [the idea of the Church as a hospital administering Grace to the Faithful] are not attempts to win God's favor, but rather they are means of preparing the soil of our heart to receive and keep the grace of God."

I thought that was a great thing.