If the intellect has become so closely attached to worldly thoughts through its inveterate involvement with them, how intimate would it become with prayer if it prayed unceasingly? For, it is said, the intellect will flourish in whatever it makes its constant occupation.
Prayer deserts you if you give attention to thoughts within and to conversations without. But if you largely ignore both in order to concentrate on it, it will return to you.
~Ilias the Presbyter
Prayerful Life 