Chapter 77
On the Jesus Prayer and Its True Fruit
77.2.1 May the mercy of God be with you!
77.3.1 Everything you wrote in your last letter (18 February) was well written. The Jesus Prayer, said with faith in simplicity of heart, is always salvific for the soul. What can prove harmful is the technique that people attach to it. That’s what we need to warn against... One shouldn’t rush headlong into this prayer; at first let everyone learn to pray from the heart with the appointed prayers and with the prayers in church. Then, when you notice that someone is beginning to go deeper into prayer, you can suggest that he say the Jesus Prayer unceasingly, and in doing so guard the remembrance of God with fear and reverence. Prayer is the first thing. The main thing sought through prayer is to receive that little flame which was given to Maximus Kapsokalivis… This little flame is not attracted by any technique, but is given freely by the grace of God. This is why the labor of prayer is required, as Saint Macarius writes… If you want to acquire prayer, he says, labor in prayer… God, seeing how earnestly you seek prayer, will give you prayer (Homily 1, chapter 13). This is the way of Maximus… For two years he struggled from the heart, seeking prayer—and he received the gift of prayer… Teach this to everyone… But add that the house of prayer is a pure heart, and a peaceful conscience, and zeal for every virtue, and the sowing of these in the heart…
77.4.1 Don’t be troubled that people reproach you. Because of this, God will give strength to your teaching. Only humble yourselves and do everything in simplicity of heart.
77.5.1 The elder or brother who told you, ‘Morning and evening prayers are enough.’ Of course, this is understood for a cell rule, with attendance at all the services—certainly, it’s enough. But it’s essential that both the church prayers and the prayers at home be said with attention and from the heart. All the intervals between them should be filled with remembrance of God—with fear of God and contrition of heart. But in all this you must remember, or keep in mind, the ultimate goal—to obtain that flame which was given to Maximus of Kapsokalyvia...[1]
77.6.1 Revealing your thoughts, as you know from experience, is very beneficial. Reading books is also good; and it can provide instruction when the occasion arises. But books give general guidance; whereas for particular cases it’s better to seek clarification from someone who knows the work firsthand... Getting addicted to reading is bad. It doesn’t lead to anything good – and it sets up a kind of wall between the heart and God. It develops a pernicious curiosity and inquisitiveness.
77.7.1 Madness from the Jesus Prayer can happen when, while saying this prayer, a person doesn’t turn away from certain sins and sinful habits that conscience condemns. In this state a deep discord arises within, driving away all peace of heart... From this the head can become clouded and thoughts can fall into confusion and entanglement.
77.8.1 Be strong, and conduct your work with fear and firm hope in God’s help, which is always ready. When people come to you, you can’t just drive them out with a stick. They don’t come for evil or with evil. To refuse them a word when you know what to say is just as bad as not giving alms when you have something to give.
77.9.1 May the Lord bless you!
77.10.1 Be saved!
77.11.1 With the salvific fast, I forgot to greet you.[2] I greet you and wish you to observe it entirely as you should, so that you might meet the Bright Resurrection with greater joy!
77.12.1 Your devoted Bishop Theophan.
77.13.1