Evagrius Ponticus’ Chapters on Prayer

In his "Chapters on Prayer" Evagrius shows the dynamic connections between, on one side, the images in the mind of the man who wants to pray and, on the other, the passions and usual attitudes of mind and heart. It is only when images in the mind and the spirit are fully adapted in the light of God that a man’s attitudes and activities advance to their full achievement in perfect harmony. These images are processed and purified by contemplation of the divine light reflected in the soul. Indeed, a man can’t be purified from the outside. Purification and the rectification of his judgment and conduct are the work God accomplishes in him in an intimate mutual relationship. In this treaty, Evagrius constantly refers to the Holy Scriptures.