“During prayer, attend to yourself, that is, collect your mind and unite it with your soul. At first, for a day or two or more, make this prayer with the mind alone, slowly, attending to every word separately. When the Lord warms your heart with the warmth of His grace and unites you in one spirit, then this prayer will flow within you unceasingly and will always be with you, delighting and nourishing you. And that is exactly what the words spoken by the Prophet Isaiah mean: The dew which is with Thee is healing for them (Isa. 26:19). But when you contain within you this food of the soul, that is, converse with the Lord, why go from cell to cell of the brethren, even though you are invited by someone? Truly I tell you, idle talking is love of idleness. If you do not understand yourself, can you discuss anything or teach others? Be silent, constantly be silent. Remember always the presence of God and His name. Do not enter into conversation with anyone: but at the same time beware of judging those who talk and laugh. In that case be deaf and dumb. Whatever people say about you, let it all go past your ears. As a model for yourself you can take Stephen the New whose prayer was unceasing, conduct meek, mouth silent, heart humble, spirit contrite, body and soul pure, virginity spotless, poverty true, and detachment eremetic; his obedience was unmurmuring, his activity patient, his labor fervent. When sitting at table, do not look to see and criticize how much anyone eats, but attend to yourself and feed your soul with prayer.”

St. Seraphim of Sarov

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