Now if thou desirest to prosecute spiritual works and exercises wisely, and to labour seriously in them, it behoveth thee to begin right low; three things needest thou first to have, upon which as on a firm ground thou shalt set all thy work, namely, humility, a firm faith, and resolute will and purpose to seek after God. (John Climacus)

With humility we are able to listen and, perhaps, to truly hear.

In faith we may be given the grace to understand. The Greek word for faith is πίστις or pistis. You see the root of epistemology. For Plato faith is a confident knowledge of what can be directly perceived or engaged.

With will and purpose we are able to undertake our role in healing and redemption.