Discourse 64

On the many changes that follow the mind, and on prayer that is chosen. End. For choosing the good: that is the beautiful will, which is fitting for this matter. For the completion of that excellent will, this is God's, and on the abundant help that comes from his side. For this reason, the beautiful motions of the Father are followed by continuous prayers. Not only to seek help from him, but also that he might make a distinction in it, whether it is in accord with his will. Not every motion of beauty that comes from God into the heart, but only that which is also beneficial. And there is a beauty that is fitting for a person, when it does not help him. It comes even from the side of Satan, like this motion, when it is thought to be a virtue. How many times, however, it is not of his measure; but he is troubled by its occurrence. When it is difficult for him, that he desires this. When he has not yet reached that conduct, or the remembrance of the order of his rule. Or again, there is no time in which he can complete anything in it. Or he is not sufficient for the action, either in knowledge, or in body, or in a time that does not give opportunity. And in every case, as if it were a beautiful person, either he serves it, or he bows down to it with his body, or he hides a snare in his garment.

As I said: continuous and fervent prayers cut off the desire for the beautiful vision that appears in the mind. When they say to it, "Man, man, from you let your will be to complete this good that you have chosen for me through action, and I have desired its work; let it be completed according to your will. But to choose it is easy for me; to accomplish it, however, I am unable without a gift from your side. Since both are yours—both to choose and to accomplish—for without your grace, that which has been stirred up and kindled, or which has moved from it, cannot be." This is the habit of one who, for the sake of the beautiful, runs in the separation of the air: that upon its face, through continuous prayer, he labors, and from there he receives power and help for his work. And wisdom that discerns truth from falsehood: through many prayers and labor, and vigilance and suitability, the good that is not at rest is distinguished by means of continuous tears, humility, and heavenly help—especially that which has opposition: thoughts of pride, through which the helps of God from us cease. For even this they abolish through prayer.