Jesus Prayer - Week 3: Saturday

St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28.5

Let your prayer be completely simple. For both the publican and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single phrase.

St. John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28.10

Do not attempt to talk much when you pray lest your mind be distracted in searching for words. One word of the publican propitiated God, and one cry of faith saved the thief. [Talkativeness] in prayer often distracts the mind and leads to fantasy, whereas brevity makes for concentration.