Chapter 139

Another Example of a Prayer Rule

I know someone who keeps a prayer rule in a special way, namely: he stopped reading the prayers in prayer books, but chose for himself several brief prayers from the psalmic verses and from the responses in the litanies, which are most suited to his condition, arranged them in his own way, and then, standing for prayer, he repeats each little verse several times with attention and feeling. When he has told all to the Lord, the rule is over. He assures me that since he began to do this, his attention does not scatter throughout the whole rule and his feeling is sustained. But of course it is not mechanical repetition that produces this but the power of the thoughts in the verses. He says: “I begin the rule, having placed before myself all my sins, ready for judgment, shame, and condemnation—and I cry out for mercy.” Besides these verses, he reads nothing else prayerful.

You have a home prayer rule for the whole family. This holy work should not be changed or abandoned. But you can then have your own—just for yourself—rule, if you wish, following the example described.

And here is what I wanted to show you as a practical matter. If you decide to, gather some verses – and the rule is ready.

There are prayer books where people pray with the Jesus Prayer alone. But that is for the perfect; for us beginners, this single focus of mind soon grows tedious. For that reason the method I suggested better diversifies the content of prayer by pointing toward different spiritual needs. Meanwhile, all the little prayers turn toward the Lord. Consequently, in spirit the Jesus Prayer is there too.

(Letter 190. Vol. 1, pp. 232–233)