Chapter 24

On Overcoming the Coldness of Prayer Through Labor

^24.2.1 May the mercy of God be with you!

^24.3.1 I congratulate you on the completion of your prayer. May it be for your salvation! We remembered the departed hierarchs: follow in the footsteps of their Christian life.

^24.4.1 Prayer that proceeds without recollection, when the soul is cold—you should not set a limit or an end to it.[1] As fallen beings, we have grown cold, and we must endure ourselves for a long time in order to warm up again. Labor, therefore, is unavoidable. And if it continues constantly and wisely, it is always crowned with success—not from us, but from the mercy of God, which has no end.

^24.5.1 Whether the Jesus Prayer or some other short prayer—it’s a good thing if it sticks on your tongue. Only take care in this not to be with your attention in your head, but in your heart, and be there not only during the time you stand in prayer, but at all times. Labor to form in your heart something like a sore spot... Constant labor will soon accomplish this.[2] There’s nothing unusual in this. It’s a natural thing (that the sore spot—the ache—will appear). But from this too you’ll gain more recollection. And the main thing is that the Lord, seeing your labor, grants help and His grace-filled prayer. Then proper order will come into your heart.

^24.6.1 May the Lord bless you!

^24.7.1 Your intercessor, Bishop Theophan.

^24.8.1 9 January 1871