The third type of prayer that is a part of the 28th Step on John’s Ladder, is PRAYER OF THE HEART. The highest level of prayer is prayer of the heart. This is when prayer is not only something we do, but something we are; when the Holy Spirit Himself prays within us. Perhaps this is what St. Paul meant when he said,

We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) and It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

As with prayer of the mind, so too with prayer of the heart, the Jesus Prayer has enjoyed special attention as a method of acquiring such an elevated state of being. Unfortunately, many have come to see the practice of the Jesus Prayer as synonymous with prayer of the heart, but they are not one and the same thing. The Jesus Prayer is a means of acquiring perfect and ceaseless prayer; it is not the only means, but there can be little doubt that it is the most tried and tested method. While practitioners of the Jesus Prayer sometimes employ certain techniques (i.e., controlled breathing, certain postures, use of a prayer rope), prayer of the heart cannot be achieved simply by mastering any particular technique or method; nor can it be acquired by repetition and practice alone: it is truly a gift from God.

When one attains prayer of the heart, everything becomes prayer, but the act of prayer remains a Central part of Christian life no matter how holy we become. St. John writes:

However pure you may be, do not be forward in your dealings with God. Approach Him rather in all humility, and you will be given still more boldness. And even if you have climbed the whole ladder of the virtues, pray still for the forgiveness of sins. Heed Paul’s cry regarding sinners “of whom I am first” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The main thing is to make prayer a part of your life. Then leave everything else up to God. He will guide your spiritual growth.