This “Warning” of St. Macarius of Optina is addressed to those who want to undergo the mental Jesus Prayer, but do not have skillful mentors for this. However, the work of Elder Macarius can equally be addressed to all Christians - as advice not to look for high spiritual talents and the same states in themselves, but to humbly walk the path of fulfilling Christ’s commandments, relying in everything on God’s will. At the same time, the Monk Macarius does not seek to turn away the monks and pious laity of his day from the saving prayer commanded by the holy fathers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. He only states: the measure of the novice is oral prayer, not accompanied by any “artistic methods,” information about which is contained in the patristic works.