Chapter 38

The Power is Not in the Form

The power is not in the form, but in the spirit of prayer. What you strive to feel in prayer is precisely what is suited to prayer. One of the fathers made the sense of standing condemned during the hour of prayer the very essence of prayer. Somewhere—I don’t remember where—there is a question written: “What is the best way to stand in prayer?”—and the answer: “Stand as if at the Judgment Seat, fixing your gaze on the lips of the Lord, from which is ready to come your final judgment: ‘Come’ or ‘Depart’” (Cf.: Mt 25:34,41). And cry out: “Lord, have mercy on me!” This is what happens with you. It seems to me further that with the single Jesus Prayer alone you can fulfill all your rule, only let it be not merely in words but also in deed (in mind and heart).

(Letter 1, vol. 1, p. 7)