…when the intellect remains free from fantasy and image, not permitting itself to be shaped or stamped either by the taints of sensual pleasure or by thoughts full of desire, then it is in a state of simplicity; and transcending all sensory and intelligible realities, it concentrates its vision on God.
Its sole activity is to invoke the Lord’s name in the depth of itself with continuous recollectedness…so the intellect molded by the virtues and repeatedly invoking the Lord with a pure mind and an ardent spirit, is divinely transformed, quickened and deified through knowing and loving God.
~Theoliptos, Metropolitan of Philadelphia
Prayerful Life 