the starting point

Images, however sacred

they may be, retain

the attention outside,

whereas at the time of prayer

the attention must be within -

in the heart.  The concentration

of attention in the heart -

this is the starting point of prayer.

~ Saint Theophan the Recluse

from for lovers of god everywhere

compiled by Roger Housden

into your heart

You must descend from

your head into your heart.

At present your thoughts of God

are in your head.  And God Himself is,

as it were, outside you, and 

so your prayer and other spiritual

exercises

remain exterior.  Whilst you are still

in your head,

thoughts will not easily be subdued but

will always be whirling about, like snow

in winter or

clouds of mosquitoes in summer.

~ Saint Theophan the Recluse

(an orthodox monk from 19th century Russia)