On Prayer 31.4

And about place, we must know that every place becomes suitable for prayer through the one who prays well; for “in every place offer incense to me,” “says the Lord,” and, “I wish, then, that the men pray in every place.” But everyone has also a set place, so that he may perform his prayers in quiet without distraction: choosing, if possible, the most venerable spot, so to speak, in his own house, and so praying; examining, besides the general examination of himself, whether any lawless deed has ever been done in this place in which he prays, or anything contrary to right reason; for then he has made, as it were, not only himself but also the place of his prayer such that God's visitation flees from it. And as I consider this further, something must be said also about this place which might seem harsh, but which perhaps will not be despised by one who examines it carefully. For we must examine whether it is holy and pure to intercede with God in the place of intercourse that is not unlawful but permitted by the apostle's word “by way of concession, not of command.” For if it is not possible to devote oneself “to prayer” as one ought unless one gives oneself to this “by agreement for a time,” perhaps the place too must be considered, if possible.