Of those who are beginners in prayer, we may say that they are those who draw the water up out of the well – a process which, as I have said, is very laborious; for they must be wearied in keeping the senses recollected, and this is a great labour, because the senses have been hitherto accustomed to distractions.
It is necessary for beginners to accustom themselves to disregard what they hear or see, and to put it away from them during the time of prayer; they must be alone, and in retirement think over their past life.
Beginners at first suffer much, because they are not convinced that they are penitent for their sins; and yet they are, because they are so sincerely resolved on serving God.
They must strive to meditate on the life of Christ, and the understanding is wearied thereby.
Thus far we can advance of ourselves – that is, by the grace of God – for without that, as every one knows, we never can have one good thought.
