Well-justified claims might extract from [Elder Joseph] corresponding concessions regarding any practical matter that concerned him. But no concessions could be made in the order and rule of prayer. His strictness and perseverance in this divine work of prayer testified to the height and breadth of his fervor, and the corresponding results were very evident. In the judgment of our Fathers, the clearest sign of a soul's spirituality is ceaseless prayer, as a constant state and not as a product of effort. An in our spiritual elder, we could see that prayer was his chief preoccupation and his chief goal.
The ever-memorable Elder instructed us and untiringly pointed out the value and richness of the fruit of prayer. He would often say emphatically,
"This strictness in keeping this commandment and this effort in prayer will open the door of prayer to you", or
This mistake will get in the way of your prayer."
+St. Joseph the Hesychast, teaching on prayer described by Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi in
Elder Joseph the Hesychast, Struggles, Experiences, Teachings
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