t happiness then must be his who is privileged to
converse and be in spirit with God! Behold thou then his likeness
alway, and converse with him. How shalt thou converse with God? By
drawing near him in prayer and supplication. He that prayeth with
exceeding fervent desire and pure heart, his mind estranged from all
that is earthly and grovelling, and standeth before God, eye to eye,
and presenteth his prayers to him in fear and trembling, such an one
hath converse and speaketh with him face to face.

"Our good Master is present everywhere, hearkening to them that
approach him in purity and truth, as saith the Prophet, 'The eyes of
the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.'
For this reason the Fathers define Prayer as 'the union of man with
God,' and call it 'Angels' work,' and 'the prelude of gladness to
come.' For since they lay down before all things that 'the kingdom of
heaven' consisteth in nearness to and contemplation of the Holy
Trinity, and since all the importunity of prayer leadeth the mind
thither, prayer is rightly called 'the prelude' and, as it were, the
'fore-glimpse' of that blessedness. But not all prayer is of this
nature, but only such prayer as is worthy of the name, which hath God
for its teacher, who giveth prayer to him that prayeth; prayer which
soareth above all things on earth and entreateth directly with God.

"This acquire thou for thyself, and strive to advance thereto, for it
is able to exalt thee from earth to heaven. But without preparation
and at hap-hazard thou shalt not advance therein. But first purify thy
soul from all passion, and cleanse it like a bright and newly cleansed
mirrour from every evil thought, and banish far all remembrance of
injury and anger, which most of all hindereth our prayers from
ascending to God-ward: and from the heart forgive all those that have
trespassed against thee, and with alms and charities to the poor lend
wings to thy prayer, and so bring it before God with fervent tears.
Thus praying thou shalt be able to say with blessed David, who, for all
that he was king, and distraught with ten thousand cares, yet cleansed
his soul from all passions, and could say unto God, 'As for iniquity, I
hate and abhor it, but thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I
praise thee, because of thy righteous judgements. My soul hath kept
thy testimonies, and loved them exceedingly. Let my complaint come
before thee, O Lord: give me und