Chapter 198

On Mechanical Methods of Performing Prayer

The nun’s question about item 28 is answered by the opening words: “Pray sometimes with words, sometimes with the mind.” Only it needs to be clarified that you cannot pray with the mind without words either, only these words are not audible, but rather are uttered silently within, in the heart. Better to say it this way: pray sometimes with audible words, and sometimes silently and inaudibly. You need only take care that both audible and silent prayer proceed from the heart.

The rest added here—these are absurdities, namely: “Closing your eyes, clenching your lips and teeth, utter the words of prayer without touching your tongue to your teeth… hold your breath… through nostril breathing, this is even better…” Such and similar devices are completely useless. When prayer comes from the heart, everything is forgotten. But the inexperienced will read this and begin to do so and believe that this is genuine prayer.

The question probably referred to the Jesus Prayer. How many absurdities have they heaped upon this holy prayer?! But the matter is simple: do you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is your sole Savior? If you believe, cry out to him: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” But the wise men forgot about faith, and fixed all attention on the words; then they came up with tales about the tongue, the lips, the breath, the head with its beard, and sitting positions.

Not prayer alone is necessary, but also zeal—earnest zeal for salvation. When this zeal is present, it itself will teach you how to proceed. And you must keep your conscience clean: this is the main thing.

(Letter 908. Vol. 5, pp. 185–186)