Chapter 112

What to Do in the Intervals Between Sleep

When I wrote to you to pray more at night, I meant prayer before sleep. And when you wake up and pray lying down — this is not a bad thing, but a good substitute for empty fantasies in the intervals of sleep. It is good to know several psalms by heart so as to read them at this time.

(Letter 1378. Vol. 8, p. 124)

Are the evening and morning prayers sufficient?

The elder or brother who told you: “Morning and evening prayers are enough.” Understood this for a private rule, with attendance at all the services. Of course, it is enough. Only it is necessary that both the church and home prayers be performed with attention and from the heart. All the intervals must be filled with remembrance of God — with fear and contrition of heart. But for all this, you must remember or keep in view the ultimate goal — obtaining that little spark that was given to Maximus Kapsokalivitin.

(Letter 912. Vol. 5, p. 191)