Prayer

A School for Prayer (14)

By Fr Craig  Larkin sm, 1943 - 2015

The Desert Experience

Sinai -

John Climacus and prayer of the heart

From Egypt to Sinai

The great flourishing of the Desert period in Egypt was to last only about 100 years.

Though remnants of this period in Egypt would remain through the centuries (and still remain to this day), nevertheless, by the end of the 5th century many monks had moved from Egypt.… More

School for Prayer (13) Evagrius of Pontus (5) – The human person in Christ

By Fr Craig Larkin sm, 1943 - 2015

Putting it Together

According to Evagrius’ teaching, the human person, with its strengths and struggles, can be illustrated like this:

How the Logismoi operate

The Fathers, following Evagrius, outline a number of ‘stages’ in the struggle with the logismoi.… More

School for Prayer (12) – Evagrius of Pontus (4)

By Fr Craig  Larkin sm, 1943 - 2015

Building up Resistance 

Each of the logismoi is resisted or counteracted by a virtue or a good habit:

To resist the logismos of Gluttony

Be moderate in eating and drinking

Undertake fasting from time to time or don’t eat between meals

Do manual work

Develop the habit of spiritual reading

To resist the logismos of Lust

Pay attention to your thoughts; notice where these thoughts come from, and when they come to you

Watch over your body; avoid a soft and easy life

Undertake a disciplined work life

Pray for an increase in your desire/thirst for God

To resist the logismos of Avarice

Serve the poor

Make a conscious distinction between “what I need” and “what I want”

Remember death; “there are no pockets in a shroud”

To resist the logismos of Anger

Practice kindness; practice compassion; 

Practice serving others in community

Do not correct others when you are angry with them

To resist the logismos of Sadness

Develop a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness

Read Scripture

To resist the logismos of Vainglory

Do works of charity in secret

Pray for a spirit of penthos, realization of sinfulness

To resist the logismos of Pride 

Do not judge others

Do not always fight to control your personal space

Accept the unexpected things

Allow others to express their opinions; 

Listen to others’ opinions

Consciously pray for specific people

To resist the logismos of Acedia

Develop a routine of work; stick to the task

Do manual work; do physical exercise

Develop an attitude of gratitude

Resist cynical thoughts 

Making it Personal

The ascetical teaching of Evagrius is very relevant for today.… More