If a man does not consider himself a sinner, his prayer cannot be accepted by God. So long as a man makes efforts, striving to force the spiritual to come down to him, out of proper place and proper time, it resists. It desires it only from hearsay and writings. The power of the soul is cured by the hidden practice of the Lord's commandments.
Passions are a closed door in the face of purity.
Unless this door is opened , you cannot enter into the realm of the spiritual. If you wish the mysteries of the supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart, you must first acquire purity of your soul, by overcoming and destroying your passions. Enrich your soul by fast, vigil, service, effort, subjugation of the thoughts, and so forth. Fetter your mind by reading the Scriptures, and entering deeply into them. Keep Christ's commandments written before your eyes and by constant prayers uproot from your heart every image and every likeness you have in the past.