As air is absolutely necessary for the existence of human life here on earth, prayer together with meditation towards the godly teachings, is indispensable for the spiritual life, through which the soul survives, grows, rises and settles up on the mountain of Christian virtues and holiness. Prayer is necessary for all people in order to achieve their salvation and eternal happiness. Thus Christians need to learn how to pray to God since their infancy.

This is the duty of parents and spiritual fathers. Woe those who raise their children and sons only according to the material life, ignoring the spiritual one. In order to be alive spiritually we need to pray to God in Spirit and truth and think about His teachings permanently.

(Translation from Protosinghel Nicodim Măndiță, Învățături despre rugăciune, Editura Agapis, București, 2008, p. 28)