On Prayer: The Spiritual Counsels of St. Paisios the Athonite - Volume 6

Part Two: The Struggle for Prayer - Chapter 3: So That the Heart Will Warm up to Prayer

Geronta, while I have understood how very helpful the Jesus Prayer is, I am unable to say it continuously”

“When you have difficulty saying the Prayer, you should chant softly. Psalmody is prayer too. Psalmody imparts a kind of gentleness to the heart; it sweetens it and warms it with spiritual calories. Thus, psalmody creates the best prerequisites for one to say the Prayer earnestly. For me, the right buttons to push for the spiritual life are these: a short but intense study, the Jesus Prayer, prostrations and Psalmody… Psalmody is contempt for the devil.”

“Geronta, when I am drowning in thoughts, I am unable either to study or pray.”

“Can’t you chant somewhat softly? In such circumstances, when one chants, he is like the farmer who, in the heat of the day, has to harvest ears of wheat, which have fallen down in a field that is choked with weeds. And who, nonetheless, begins to harvest [while] singing. By singing, he forgets what is before him; and completes the harvest with joy. He is benefited, even from the small yield, and also feels rested afterwards.” [part 5 of 5]

Hymn from the Triodion

“Having completed the soul-profiting 40 days, O Friend of man, we pray that we might also behold the holy week of Thy Passion — glorifying Thy mighty deeds and Thine ineffable dispensation for us, who chant with one accord: O Lord, glory be to Thee.” [Matins hymn in the 4th Plagal Tone, Friday of the 6th week]