Chapter 202

Prayer is Salvation; Artistry is Harm

The Jesus Prayer, practiced in faith with simplicity of heart, is always salutary for the soul. What can be harmful is the artistry that is joined with it. We must guard against this. One need not rush into this prayer, but at first let each person become accustomed to praying from the heart with the appointed prayers and with prayers in church. Then, when you notice that someone begins to deepen in prayer, you can suggest he practice the Jesus Prayer unceasingly and in doing so keep the remembrance of God with fear and reverence.

Prayer is the first task. The chief thing sought through prayer is to obtain that flame which was given to Maximus Capsokalivia. This flame is not drawn by any artistry, but is freely given by God’s grace. For this, laborious prayer is required, as holy Macarius writes. “If you wish to attain prayer,” he says, “labor in prayer. God, seeing how earnestly you seek prayer, will give you prayer” (Discourse 1, Chapter 13). This is the path of Maximus Capsokalivia. For two years he labored from the heart seeking prayer—and received the gift of prayer. Teach this to all. But add that the house of prayer is a pure heart, and a peaceful conscience, and zeal for every virtue, and their implanting in the heart.

Madness from the Jesus Prayer can happen when, while practicing this prayer, one does not cease from certain sins and sinful habits that the conscience condemns. In this case, a profound inner discord arises within, driving away all peace of heart. From this the head can become confused and understanding can fall into chaos and bewilderment.

(Letter 912. Vol. 5, pp. 190–192)