Psalmody and Prayer in the Writings of Evagrius Ponticus (Oxford Theology and Religion Monographs)

## Abstract This book explores the writings of Evagrius Ponticus. It seeks a connection between the seemingly disparate aspects of Evagrius’ mystical theology by approaching the relationship between psalmody and prayer from three perspectives. First, Evagrius’ life, works, and spiritual doctrine are presented, followed by a description of the monastic discipline of psalmody as practised by Evagrius and his contemporaries; Evagrius texts on the interrelationship between psalmody and prayer are then considered. Second, Evagrius’ recommendations on the usefulness of psalmody in healing of the passions are discussed. Finally, the biblical scholia are studied, which facilitate what Evagrius called ‘undistracted psalmody’, that is, contemplation by means of the words used in psalmody of the person of Christ and of Christ’s salvific work within creation. "Evagrius Ponticus was the most prolific writer of the Christian Desert Fathers. This book is a study of his life, works, and theology. It gives particular attention to his little studied exegetical treatises, especially the Scholia on Psalms, as well as his better-known works, in order to present a more balanced picture of Evagrius the monk. The practice of psalmody in Northern Egyptian monastic communities of the late fourth century is explored, as is Evagrius' understanding of psalmody's healing properties, and his recommendation of memorized scripture as a spiritual weapon against temptation."--BOOK JACKET

Evagrius Ponticus was the most prolific writer of the Christian Desert Fathers. This book is a study of his life, works, and theology. It gives particular attention to his little-studied exegetical treatises, especially the Scholia on Psalms, as well as his better-known works, in order to present a more balanced picture of Evagrius the monk.

Evagrius' often-neglected commentaries on scripture are discussed together with his better known works in order to present a more balanced picture of the monk and his model of the spiritual life as a rhythm back and forth between the poles of image-filled prayer and imageless, wordless 'pure' prayer. In this book Evagrius Ponticus' commentaries on scripture are discussed in order to present a balanced picture of the monk and his model of the spiritual life as a rhythm back and forth between the poles of image-filled prayer based on the scriptures, and imageless, wordless, 'pure' prayer.