Without prayer, the Christian cannot understand the Truth, he cannot crucify his sins that arise from his passions and his desires. His heart cannot be enlightened with the light of Christ and he cannot be united with God. This is why nothing is effective unless is preceded by constant prayer. “Constant” because the perfection of prayer does not depend on our powers; as St. Paul says, “because we do not know how we should pray” (Rom. 8:26). This is why we should pray often and pray always, something that we have the power to do. These actions can help us slowly attain the heights of the purity of prayer which is the mother of all spiritual blessings. Learn first to acquire the power of prayer and then you will easily manage all the other virtues.
From The Way of the Pilgrim
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
