Chapter 170

On Zealous Prayer

Do not indulge laziness. Zealous prayer is never long – that is, it does not seem long.

You can pass through the Jesus Prayer with your mind in your heart, without moving your tongue. This is better than spoken prayer. Spoken prayer should be in aid of noetic prayer. Sometimes spoken prayer is needed for the steadiness of noetic prayer.

When after prayer with attention and feeling the mind departs from the prayer and becomes distracted, you must return it to its place, reprove yourself, grieve before the Lord, and again pray with attention and feeling. Good prayer is always God’s mercy and a gift of grace. Do not boast and give thanks to the Lord.

What is written by St. Simeon the New Theologian about careless prayer is completely true. What is to be done? – You must pray diligently, driving away inattention, indifference, and carelessness, for it lies in our hands. Seek, and you will find (Matt. 7:7).

(Letter 907, vol. 5, p. 183)