The Distinction Between Prayer of the Mind in the Heart and Spiritual Prayer in Self-movement

The holy fathers distinguish prayer of the mind in the heart from spiritual prayer. The first is accomplished through the conscious self-activity of the one praying, while the second comes, and though conscious, moves of itself apart from the efforts of the one praying. This is spirit-moving prayer. The latter cannot be prescribed; for it is not in our power. It can be desired, sought, and gratefully received, not performed whenever one wishes. Yet in people who are purified, prayer is for the most part spirit-moving. One must therefore understand that the Apostle prescribes prayer of the mind in the heart when he says: pray in the Spirit [Eph. 6:18]. One can add: pray with mind in the heart, with the desire to attain also spirit-moving prayer. Such prayer keeps the soul consciously before the face of God the Omnipresent. Drawing to itself and repelling from itself the ray of God, it drives away enemies. One can confidently say that a soul in such a state is impregnable to demons. — Only this way can one pray at all times and in all places. (14, 487)