Chapter 81

Always Strive to Pray Well

When sometimes a wicked thought flies through your head—that is the enemy’s arrow. The enemy shoots it when he wishes to draw your attention away from prayer and occupy it with something unholy. If your attention dwells on that thought, then the enemy will come near and begin to build all sorts of stories in your head to defile your soul and kindle some evil passionate feelings. There is one law: turn your attention back from the evil to the good as quickly as possible and fix it there.

Nothing is hidden from God; He sees all. And He hears every prayer, but He answers it not according to our wish, but as is saving for us. Pray more and always strive to pray well, and you will learn to pray.

(Letter 472. Vol. 3, p. 116)