The Power of Prayer Lies Not at All in Words

Nowadays people do not know how to approach the Jesus Prayer. How many tricks and gimmicks they have invented! – And they forget entirely about the essence of the matter. As a result, some remain only with words, repeating: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” but without any thought or feeling. I call them “whisperers.” Others stop at nostril-breathing and snort. These are “snorters.” Then others appeared who, as if unable to restrain some inner movement, begin to cry out: “Jesus… Jesus… Ee… Ee…” These are the “shriekers.”

But the work of this prayer is simple: stand with your mind in your heart before the face of the Lord and cry out: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me,” or simply: “Lord, have mercy,” “Merciful Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner,” or other words. The power lies not in the words at all, but in the thoughts and feelings. Stand on this and reject all tricks – both yourself and teach others to do so.

(Letter 910, vol. 5, p. 188)