Simeon Archbishop of Thessalonica+ on the Jesus Prayer
“Let every pious man continually repeat this Name as a prayer in his mind and with his tongue. Let him always constrain himself to do this while standing, travelling, sitting, resting, speaking, and doing all things. Then he shall find great peace and joy, as those who have occupied themselves with it know from experience. This activity is both for those in worldly life, and for those monks who are in the midst of turmoil. Each one msut strive to occupy himself with this prayer, even if to a limited extent only. All, clergy, monks and laymen, must have this prayer as a guide, practicing it according to their ability.
The monks are dedicated, and have an indispensable obligation to do this even thought they are in labors which are in the midst of turmoil. They must constrain themselves to say the prayer constantly, praying to the Lord unceasingly (I Thess. 5:17), even though they are wandering in thoughts and in midst of that confusion which is called “captivity of the mind”. They must not be neglectful because their thoughts are stolen by the enemy, but must return to the prayer, rejoicing.”
– Part 1 from Orthodox America