Chapter 122

On Prostrations and Fear of God

You do many prostrations. This is good; but try to bring attention to the Lord and feeling to them as well. The most fitting feeling for us is contrition: a contrite spirit—a broken and contrite heart God will not despise (Ps. 50:19). This comes from fear of God, and fear of God awakens from remembrance of death and divine judgment. Each time you approach prayer, restore in yourself fear of God and contrition, then pray without letting these feelings weaken. It is easiest to be in fear of God and contrition in church. Make sure to always be in church with these feelings. Then at home you will have them too. And blessed are you!

(Letter 899. Vol. 5, p. 170)