Chapter 107

Preparation for Prayer

When you approach prayer, whenever it may be, stand for a moment, or sit, or walk — and labor at this time to sober your mind, drawing it away from all earthly affairs and concerns. Then consider who He is to whom you will turn in prayer, and who you are, who are about to begin this prayerful turning to Him — and stir up in your soul the feeling appropriate to this: a sense of self-abasement permeated with reverent fear before standing before God in your heart. In this small, yet not insignificant preparation lies the whole thing — to stand before God in your heart with reverence. Here is the beginning of prayer, and a good beginning is half the deed.

(Letter 227. Vol. 2, pp. 34–35)