Of this manner of prayer speaketh our Lord in holy Writ in a figure thus: Fire shall always burn upon the altar, which the priest shall nourish, putting wood underneath in the morning every day, that so the fire may not go out. That is, the fire of love shall ever be lighted in the soul of a devout and clean man or woman, the which is God’s altar. And the priest shall every morning lay to it sticks and nourish the fire, that is this man shall, by holy psalms, clean thoughts and fervent desires, nourish the fire of love in his heart, that it go not out at any time. This prayer of rest or quiet our Lord giveth to some of His servants, as it were a reward of their travail, and an earnest of that love and sweetness which they shall have in the bliss of heaven. (John Climacus)

I was raised to be skeptical of piety. The Pharisees were pious.

Spontaneity rather than liturgy was understood as being more authentic.

But as I have aged, it seems discipline is often a precondition for spontaneity and authenticity.

Each morning I pause in prayer and meditation. Many mornings the fire I start is smoky and frail.

But from each morning emerges a bit more light, a bit more warmth and over time a consistent blaze is built.