Pray and work (on Yourself): Part I

Man can come closer to God through work on himself, that is working on purifying his heart and soul, his inner world, making through this work still more room available for Him. Both ancient and modern history of Christianity prove that only outwardly following the rules of the Christian confessions and congregations, the monastic and sacerdotal vows, the long, richly decorated vestments, long prayer services, fasting and works of obedience do not guarantee protection from or endurance duri...