Chapter 148

On the Same Subject (148)

How you have decided to prepare for your prayers – this is genuine work. There are three writings on prayer – by the monks of Athos. There is mention in them of what you have thought up for yourself. Learn by heart the 24 little prayers of Saint Chrysostom, and you can begin your prayer service with them. And so – throughout the day often repeat them. They contain everything that should be there. Through them it is easier to pass over to unceasing prayer with the Jesus Prayer. Especially for beginners this is fitting. The whole matter is this: to become accustomed to keeping your attention always on the Lord who is omnipresent and all-seeing and desires the salvation of all (See: 1 Tim. 2:4), and is ready to help toward that.

This habit will not allow you to grieve – whether inner or outer sorrow troubles you: for it brings the soul complete satisfaction, which, filling the soul, leaves no place for any feeling of want and insufficiency, as you cast yourself and all that is yours into the Lord’s hands, and this gives rise to a feeling of his constant protection and help.

(Letter 916. Vol. 5, p. 197)