Chapter 146

On the Same Subject (146)

Have you tried praying with brief little prayers?! The chief of them is the Jesus Prayer – “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” To it you can add others according to the needs of your soul. For example, take the 24 little prayers of Saint Chrysostom, which are found in the prayers before sleep. Learn them with understanding and feeling, and then insert them into your private prayer service and call out to the Lord with them, pronouncing each one three times, five or more times. When you become established in them, try to gather others. Where and how to find them? Listen to the church prokimens and remember them. Read the psalms and choose from them.

Prayer with brief little prayers – it gathers attention and goes through all the spiritual needs.

Do not forget that the power of prayer is a broken spirit, a contrite and humble heart.

Entrust yourself to God’s hands, and he will not abandon you.

(Letter 496. Vol. 3, pp. 168–169)