Chapter 139

General Instructions

Assign in your prayer rule a portion to the Jesus Prayer. Perform this prayer several times at the beginning of your liturgy of the hours and several times after it. If you have zeal, perform the same after each prayer that is part of such a liturgy...

Determine for yourself the number of times to repeat this prayer, in what manner — or seek the counsel of your spiritual father. Only at first do not set a large number, but then, as you grow to delight in this prayer, increase it gradually. If at any time the desire comes to repeat the set number again, do not refuse yourself, without making it a permanent rule, only for this occasion. And however many such repetitions your heart may require, do not refuse.

Do not hurry to rush one prayer after another, but pronounce them with measured length, as one ordinarily speaks before a great person when asking something of them. However, be not concerned with the words alone, but rather that your mind be in the heart and stand before the Lord as if present, with full consciousness of His greatness, grace, and justice...

Performing this prayer in your rule or apart from it, taking a prayerful posture for it, at each time you speak it make a bow: ten times from the waist, and then to the ground — so until you finish. (22, 209–210)

“Should one determine oneself by quantity of prayers and bows, or be more concerned with attention?” — Without attention, prayer is not prayer. Therefore, this is the chief thing. But at the same time one must determine the quantity of prayers and bows by the rule. This is for domestic prayer. Best of all for progress in prayer is to go to church for all services and there strive to pray with reverence. (10, 168–169)

The stomach should not be filled with food; let there be a sense of emptiness — and sleep should not be indulged. One should not allow diversions — neither laughter nor banter. Hold yourself always as if you were in the presence of a king. If you attend carefully to all things, the work itself will teach you much. Do not look at the [Revelations] of a Pilgrim [to His Spiritual Father]. There are counsels there not suitable for you, which could lead to spiritual delusion. Read the book On Sobriety and Prayer. (10, 112)