“If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.”
Evagrios the Solitary, On Prayer, 61
To Be a Theologian
Reply
Category Archives: Evagrios the Solitary
Praying with Joy
“If you patiently accept what comes, you will always pray with joy.”
Evagrios the Solitary, On Prayer, 23
Ways of Thinking
“Angelic thought is concerned with the true nature of things and with searching out their spiritual essences [...] Demonic thought, on the other hand, neither knows nor can know such things. It can only shamelessly suggest the acquisition of physical gold, looking forward to the wealth and glory that will come from this.”
Evagrios the Solitary, On Discrimination, AD 385
Stillness
Keep to a sparse and plain diet, not seeking a variety of tempting dishes. Should the thought come to you of getting extravagant foods in order to give hospitality, dismiss it, do not be deceived by it; for in it, the enemy lies in ambush, waiting to tear you away from stillness. Remember how the Lord rebukes Martha (the soul that is over-busy with such things) when He says: ‘You are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing alone is needful’ (St Luke 10.41-42) – to hear the divine word; after that, one should be content with anything that comes to hand.
Evagrios the Solitary, Teaching on Asceticism and Stillness in the Solitary Life, c. AD 345-399
