Chapter 58

The General Rule—kindle Warmth From Morning and Do Nothing That Disturbs It

From your first waking in the morning, take care to gather yourself inwardly and kindle warmth. Consider this your normal state. As soon as this is lacking, know that something within you is amiss. Having placed yourself in the morning in such a collected and warmed state, then all necessary duties must be performed so as not to disturb this inner mood, and from voluntary things, do those that maintain this state; but under no circumstance do what disturbs it, for that would mean waging war against yourself. This is your general rule. (9, 175–176)

In earnestly fulfilling your rule, preserve the sobriety of mind and warmth of heart. The latter, when it begins to diminish, hasten to rekindle, knowing firmly that as soon as it is gone, it means that the greater half of the path to turning away from God has been traversed. Fear of God is the guardian and awakener of inner warmth. But humility too is needed, and patience, and faithfulness to the rule, and above all sobriety. Pay attention to yourself, for God’s sake. Trouble yourself in every way so as not to fall asleep, or if you have dozed, to awake. (9, 214)

Strive to do this: in the morning—during your prayer rule—strive so to establish yourself in attention before God that afterward and throughout the entire day you will stand before Him, whatever you may happen to do. If you set yourself up thus and begin to foresee the Lord before you as the prophet did—with fitting feelings to match, of course—then you will indeed pray without ceasing. And then prayer will not weary you. Do not depart from your prayer rule until contrition awakens in your heart along with surrender to God. (10, 121–122)