Chapter 9

The Essence of the Matter—to Be Established in the Remembrance of God

The essence of the matter is this: to “be established in the remembrance of God, or to walk in God’s presence.” One can say to everyone: “Do whatever you wish, only achieve this... Whether you practice the Jesus Prayer, or make prostrations, or go to church... do whatever you like, only achieve being always in the remembrance of God.” I remember, in Kyiv I met a man who said: “I used no methods and did not know the Jesus Prayer, yet all that is written here was and is with me. How, I myself do not know. God gave it!”

What God has given or will give—to have this in view—so as not to confuse self-made efforts with the gift of grace. (6, 17–18)