Sayings St. Mark the Ascetic ~ Deeds according to their intention

   God values deeds according to their intentions. For it is said, "The Lord grant unto you according to your heart" (Ps. 19:5) ... Therefore, whoever wants to do something but can't is considered as having done it by God, who sees the intentions of our hearts. This applies to both good and evil deeds alike.



(St. Mark the Ascetic, Homilies, 1.184, 2.16)


Source:

http://www.orthodox.cn/patristics/300sayings_en.htm