The Descent.

“The Russian mystic Theophan the Recluse writes, ‘I will remind you of only one thing: one must descend with the mind into the heart, and there stand before the face of the Lord, ever-present, all seeing within you. Prayer takes a firm and steadfast hold, when a small fire begins to burn in the heart. Try not to quench ths fire, and it will become established in such a way that the prayer repeats itself: And then you will have within you a small murmuring stream.’” [Henri Nouwen, Spiritual Formation].

I’m wondering: Is prayer a walk of descent alongside the Spirit from the mind (cognitive dialogue with God) into the heart (dwelling with the Spirit in our truest self, naked in the ‘seat of our will?’)