Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

continence

What should one do so that the mind might be constantly occupied with God? If we do not acquire the three following virtues: love for God and men, continence, and the Prayer of Jesus, then our mind cannot be completely occupied with God. For love makes anger meek, continence weakens fleshly desire, and prayer draws the mind away from thoughts and banishes every hatred and high-mindedness. St. Paisius Velichkovsky, Little Russian Philokalia, Vol. IV