Chapter 75

On Prostrations, Attention, and Church Services

“Should you determine yourself by the quantity of prayers and prostrations or care more about attention?” Without attention prayer is not prayer. Consequently, this is the chief thing. But with this you must also determine the quantity of prayers and prostrations by rule. This is for home prayer. Best of all for success in prayer is to go to church for all services and there strive to be in reverent prayer. Look in the Slavic Philokalia at the account of Maximus of Kapsokalyvia and imitate him. When you receive what he received, then you will have true prayer.—Lying on your side, you will gain nothing.

(Letter 898. Vol. 5, pp. 168–169)