Volume 6. On Prayer
The sixth volume of the collected teachings of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos is devoted to prayer as a living communion between man and God and the foundation of the spiritual life. The Elder reveals the importance of repentance, humility, and love for acquiring pure prayer of the heart, and teaches how to struggle against distraction, despondency, and spiritual sloth. Particular attention is given to the Jesus Prayer, the reading of the Psalter, prayer with the prayer rope, participation in the divine services, and intercessory prayer for one’s neighbor. Drawing on conversations with monks and laypeople, Saint Paisios offers practical counsel on how to learn unceasing prayer and how to thank and glorify God in every circumstance of life. The book is addressed to all Orthodox Christians who seek to deepen their life of prayer and draw nearer to God.