Chapter 80

On the Same Subject

When thoughts come during prayer, you must drive them away; they come again—drive them away again, and so it goes. Only do not yield to them; as soon as you notice them, expel them. This is the ascetic labor of watchfulness. Strive so that your heart is in some state of religious feeling: when the heart is in feeling, thoughts do not disturb, and all circle around the feelings.

(Letter 489. Vol. 3, p. 159)