According to the texts of “Dobrotolyubiya”, prayer is not just the utterance of words, but “a conversation of the mind with God”, a mysterious “school” that leads a person to his ultimate goal – deification ( 
theosis ). In the context of the spiritual path, correct prayer is based on a combination of technique, inner attention and the moral state of a person.

Here are detailed instructions from sources on how to pray correctly:

1. The Jesus Prayer: the formula and its variations

The main tool of interior work is the Jesus Prayer . The Fathers offer the following complete formula:

• “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me . “
• For beginners or when you need to concentrate, shortened versions are allowed: “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me” or even simply “My Jesus . “
• It is important not to change words frequently so that the mind does not get used to evasion.

2. Psychophysical technique (“Natural Art”)

In order to gather the scattered mind and bring it into the heart, the holy fathers developed a special method:

• Place and posture: Sit in a quiet, dimly lit place on a low stool (one span high). Head should be bowed, shoulders tense, and mind directed from head to heart.
• Breathing: It is recommended to hold your breath so as not to breathe excessively. The air should be inhaled through the nostrils, mentally accompanying it to the heart, and together with the breath, enter the name of Jesus there.
• Concentration: By training the mind to stay within, a person experiences an “indescribable sweetness” and is no longer tempted to wander outside.

3. Mindfulness and Sobriety ( Nepsis )

Proper prayer is impossible without attention , which must be inseparable from it, like the body with the soul.

• Guardian of the heart: The mind must stand “at the door of the heart” and recognize the thoughts (“adjectives”) that approach.
• Denial of thoughts: As soon as an evil thought appears, it must be immediately “beaten” with the name of Jesus, without entering into dialogue with it.
• Peaceful state: Before praying, it is necessary to reconcile with everyone who has offended you, because “a grudge darkens the mind of the one praying.”

4. Refusal of insults (Protection from delusion)

One of the most important guidelines is the complete rejection of any visual images .

• During prayer, one should not imagine Christ, angels, light, or fire.
• The Divine is indescribable, so the mind must remain “sightless,” “formless,” and “deaf and dumb” to all things sensual.
• Any light or vision that comes from outside without humility is considered a demonic delusion ( prelest ).

5. Consistency: Prayer as a way of life

Prayer should not be limited to the time spent in a temple or cell:

• One should call upon the name of God while eating, working, traveling, or resting.
• “Let the memory of Jesus unite with your breath” – this allows you to transform your whole life into continuous service.

6. Social and ethical dimension

Although “Dobrotolyubie” is often perceived as a book for hermits, it provides answers to questions about how to combine prayer with life among people:

• The priority of love: If you are praying and a brother comes to you, you should “leave the gift of prayer and give the conversation of love,” because God wants mercy more than sacrifice.
• Prayer for enemies: The highest level of prayer is sincere supplication for those who have wronged you. This purifies the soul faster than any feats.
• Universality: This path is open not only to monks but also to laypeople, as every person is called to find the “Kingdom of God within themselves.”

Therefore, to pray correctly for “Goodwill” means to seek God in the depths of one’s own heart through the constant invocation of the name of Jesus Christ, keeping the mind pure of thoughts and the heart full of love for God and neighbor.