Chapter 58
On the Jesus Prayer and Interior Order
58.2.1 May the mercy of God be with you!
58.3.1 I am very glad that you are alive, well, and as before running well, not like the Galatians, of whom it is written: you were running.[1] Glory to God! We cannot free ourselves from the fluctuations of our life as it ordinarily flows. Immutability is a gift of God, and it is an attribute of God alone, the One with whom—by His mercy—He sometimes shares this attribute with us for a time.[2] We cannot entrust anything to ourselves forever; we would consume it from hunger—that is, we would become vainglorious about it, and so destroy both ourselves and the gift.[3] God manifests His goodness in us so that we do not despair, and then He hides it again so that we do not become vainglorious or exalted.
58.4.1 What is praised brings no harm.[4] It’s clear that the taste for goodness in those around you hasn’t been completely corrupted. That’s to their credit. But what about us? We have a lesson in humility, which we should take care to put into practice. You know this;[5] I believe you’re already doing it. Keep the old, good, Christian practices. Look within, so that what should be there doesn’t grow weak; for that is where the essential work lies. There, I confess, sometimes not everything is in order, or not everything is as it should be. What should we do, you ask—how can we help ourselves? We have the Lord—the one Teacher, the one Helper, without whom we cannot do anything as we should. He is near always. Turn to Him. Have you read about the Jesus Prayer? And you know it in practice. It alone can establish the proper order firmly within, and it will not let external household distractions upset that order. It alone will make it possible to fulfil the fathers’ instruction: hands at work, but intellect and heart with God. When it takes root in the heart, then there are no interruptions within, but all is one and the same… To establish something systematic within is hardly possible, but to maintain one thing—or the same thing—amid the variety of unavoidable tasks is possible, and the Jesus Prayer will give you that when it takes root in the heart. How does it take root?! Who knows how? But it does take root. The one who labors becomes aware of it, without knowing how it happened. Labor... walking in the presence of God with frequent repetition of this prayer, as much as possible. As soon as there’s freedom, immediately take it up... And it will be given...
58.5.1 Reading belongs among the means of renewal and quickening of the Jesus Prayer. But it is advised that you read more about prayer.
58.6.1 And meditation is an activity of the same kind. The merciful Lord meets all who seek Him in whatever manner with His mercy, and does not withhold His gifts when He sees the vessels prepared to receive them.
58.7.1 May the Lord bless you!
58.8.1 Be saved!
58.9.1 Your intercessor, Bishop Theophan.
58.10.1