Chapter 47

The Main Condition for Ascending to Unceasing Prayer — Purification of the Heart From Passions

The main condition for success in prayer is purification of the heart from passions and all attachment to anything sensual. Without this, prayer will remain only at the first stage, or the reading stage. As the heart is purified, the reading prayer will transition to prayer of the mind in the heart, and when it is completely purified, then unceasing prayer will be established. (7, 61)