AUGUSTINE 6: A.

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL WORKS
The Books of St. Augustine of Hippo I. The Confessions
SOURCES OF SAINT AUGUSTINE’S WORKS II. The Retractions
1. The Retractations (Retractationes, 426-427) – B. PHILOSOPHICAL WORKS
Augustine writes it in which he examines all his books I. On the Beautiful and the Fit (De Pulchro et Apto)
and either corrects, confirms or clarifies his thoughts, - First work of Augustine.
teachings, and positions. II. The Dialogues.
2. The Indiculus – This is the list made by Possidius - Augustine confronts important philosophical problems
(believed to be the biographer of Augustine), the close on truths, happiness, order, immortality, and
associate of Augustine. magnitude of the soul, the existence of evil, and the
THE WRITINGS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Interior Teacher.
- Augustine left passing evidence which suggests that C. BOOKS WRITTEN IN CASSICIACUM
he frequently used the traditional methods of writing I. Against the Academics.
during his time. - Augustine confronts skepticism in order to prove that
noterarius man is able to attain truth.
- (a note-taker or stenographer), who recorded his II. On Happy Life.
words in a shorthand called tironian notes, - Augustine shows that happy life or true happiness lies
tironian notes in the knowledge of God.
- Named after the secretary of Cicero, M. Tullius Tiro, III. On Order.
who invented it. - Augustine proposes the problem of the existence of
Secretary of Cicero, M. Tullius Tiro evil and the Divine Providence.
- Invented the tironian notes IV. On Soliloquies.
- Augustine explains the conditions for the search of
- The dictation was then written out in longhand, God and the argument in favor of the immortality of
corrected, and edited. When, for example, this system the soul
was used by him for De Trinitate D. BOOKS WRITTEN IN MILAN
I. The Immortality of the Soul.
De Trinitate - This work consists of the concise and difficult to
- (“On the Trinity”) understand notes intended to supplement the
- Augustine became angry when some of his brethren Solliloquies.
who published (i.e., copied and circulated) a draft II. On Music.
before it was edited. - This is a treatise on rhythm and melody.
E. BOOKS WRITTEN IN ROME
Other methods I. The Magnitude of the Soul.
- Writing a Biblical commentary - Augustine treats on the different questions concerning
o made notes in the margins of the biblical text the soul.
o Subsequently copied in longhand when he II. The Free Choice.
felt that he had made as many notes as - Augustine treats extensively the problem of the origin
desired. of evil and some related questions of freedom, moral
Publishing sections progressively in instalments law, existence of God and the Divine Providence.
F. BOOKS WRITTEN IN TAGASTE/SOUK-AHRAS
- De Civitate Dei (“City of God”) I. On Discipline.
o published in fascicles - This is an encyclopedic work in which Augustine
o Over a thirteen-year period. intends to demonstrate how one should ascend to
- De Doctrina Christiana (“On Christian Doctrine”) God from his contact or affair with the material things.
o Complete it after a period of thirty years. II. The Teacher (De Magistra).
o First version ended at Book III: 25, 35. - This was accomplished after his dialogue with his son
o Third book: Adeodatus. Augustine shows that man learns from the
 426-427 – added the third book Interior Teacher who is God.
concluding the fourth book G. APOLOGETICAL WORKS
- “Reconsiderations” (Retractationes) I. The True Religion.
o All his writings (including those which he was - The Triune God should be honored with the religion.
not able to complete). Only the Catholics have this religion.
o divided his books into different categories or II. The Usefulness of Believing.
disciplines. - This is Augustine’s first work as a priest, in which he
THE BOOKS (LIBRI) WRITTEN BY SAINT AUGUSTINE OF offers a profound analysis of the relationship between
HIPPO: (Selected) faith and reason.
He wrote about: III. The City of God.
- Scepticism - This work contains the synthesis of his philosophical
- Happiness as well as his theological and political thoughts.
- Evil
- Immortality of the soul
- Freedom of choice and human responsibility
- Pedagogy
- Numeric structure of reality
- Religion
H. DOGMATIC WORKS
I. Faith and the Creed.
- This work is an application of the articles of faith.
II. Concerning 83 Different Questions.
- In this work, Augustine answers philosophical,
dogmatic, and exegetical questions addressed to him.
III. Concerning Faith and Works.
- Augustine demonstrates that faith should be
accompanied with good works.
IV. Concerning The Presence of God. Augustine explains the
doctrine of the indwelling Spirit in the soul of the just.
V. On Seeing God.
- Augustine treats the possibility of seeing God with the
eyes of our bodies.
VI. Enchiridion or Concerning Faith, Hope, and Charity.
- This is a manual for theology in which Augustine
speaks of relationship on the three theological virtues
of faith, hope, and charity.
I. MORAL AND SPIRITUAL WORKS
I. The Christian Combat. This was written during the first year
of his Episcopate. This is a manual for Christian Living which
contains instruction in faith for ordinary people. II. On
Catechizing The Uninstructed. This is a manual for catechetical
instruction which is rich in pedagogical instruction. III. On The
Good of Marriage. Augustine in this work speaks of the good of
marriage on the occasion of controversy provoked by Jovian.
IV. On The Continence. This is a treatise on the virtue and the
Divine gift of continence. V. On Holy Virginity. Augustine in this
work teaches on the dignity of virginity but without reducing the
value of married life. VI. On Patience. This is a treatise on the
virtue and the Divine gift of patience. VII. On Gaining
Marriages. Augustine in this work demonstrates the
indissolubility of marriage even when adultery has been
committed.
J. MONASTIC WORKS
I. The Rule. This is a short but full of wise norms for monastic
life. This serves as a guide for religious life. II. The Works of
the Monks. Augustine in this work teaches that monks, beside
from praying, should do physical works when sickness,
pastoral work, or studies do not impede them.
K.EXEGETICAL WORKS
A. OLD TESTAMENT
I. On the Genesis of the Manicheans. In this work, Augustine
intends to destroy the Manichean arguments against Genesis.
B. NEW TESTAMENT I. The Sermon on the Mount. This work
is a series of homilies as the explanation of the discourse on
the mount. II. The Harmony of the Evangelists. This work is a
response to the many accusations against the pagans who
accuse them of having attributed wrongly of the Divinity of
Christ.
L. POLEMICAL WORKS
A. AGAINST THE MANICHEANS I. The Catholic and the
Manichean Ways of Life. It contains Augustine’s first apology
for faith in the first year of his conversion. II. On The Two
Souls. This is an attack to the Manichean’s thesis that in man
exists two souls; one came from God, and the other from the
principle of evil.
B. AGAINST THE DONATISTS I. Against The Letter of
Parmeniani. Augustine teaches that in the unity of the Church
and in the reception of the sacraments, evil does not
contaminate the good. II. On Baptism. This is a basic work in
which Augustine shows the validity of the baptism administered
by the heretics.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:
AUG 7
THE SERMONS AND LETTERS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF 1. Grace and Free Will
HIPPO - Human nature, corrupted by original sin, could not
- preached to a broad audience achieve righteousness or salvation without the grace
- letters were often more specific, addressing of God.
theological, ecclesiastical, and pastoral issues. a. Sermon 169
SERMONS - Explains that the fall of Adam introduced sin into the
“Exposition” world, which corrupted human nature.
- applied to his preaching on the book of Psalms - necessity of God’s grace to restore humanity
“Tractates”
- applied to his commentaries on the “Gospel of John”
b. Sermon 26
- Grace does not destroy human free will but enables it
and “First Letter of John”.
to choose good.
The rest are simply called “Sermons
2. Original Sin
Sermons delivered
- Hippo: 146 - Humanity is inherently sinful due to the fall of Adam
- Carthage: 106 and Eve.
- Unknown: 188 a. Sermon 151
- OT: 50 - Baptism is necessary for salvation because it
- NT: 123 cleanses the soul from this inherited guilt.
b. Sermon 293
- Preached twice (2) a week: sat and sun - Original sin affects every person, leading to spiritual
- Half, hour and a half or 2hours death, and only Christ's sacrifice and divine grace can
reverse its consequences.
OT and the NT 3. The Nature of the Church
- - a unity which derives from the fact that both have a - Church was not just a visible institution but a mystical
single author. body of Christ.
- differences between them, they are united to each a. Sermon 217:
other through the mystery of Christ, who is hidden in - Church as the "ark of salvation,"
the OT and disclosed in the NT b. Sermon 229
THE LETTERS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO - community of saints, but it also includes sinners
“Letters” (Epistulae) c. Sermon 46
- a term used to include all of Augustine’s writings that - the Church's role as the bearer of God's grace to
are neither a sermon nor a book. humanity through the sacraments
269 extant letters of Augustine. 4. Love and Charity
- began to write them as early as 386 or 387 - Augustine placed a strong emphasis on the Christian
virtues of love (caritas) and charity, which he
- are considered as “a vast treasure trove of his considered the highest of all virtues. His teachings on
thoughts and feelings.” love are closely tied to his understanding of God and
- They contain his own theological or catechetical human relationships, reflecting the influence of biblical
viewpoints. passages like (1 Corinthians 13.)
- They were not personal or intimate documents but a. Sermon 34
public writings containing Augustine’s teaching and - "love God and your neighbor," insisting that all other
sometimes ecclesiastical and political stand commandments are fulfilled by love.
- Some of his letters served as “a form of conversation b. Sermon 350
for those he could not meet.” - Charity, for him, is not only giving to the poor but also
1969 maintaining humility and patience.
- Johannes Divjak of Vienna found in Marseilles a 5. The Problem of Evil
treasure of 29 letters attributed to the African bishop
- it as a privation of good rather than something with
during the obscure final decades of his life. They are
independent existence.
now called Augustine’s “Divjak letters.”
a. Sermon 241
Unfortunately, after his death, Possidius made an
- God permits evil to bring about a greater good and to
inventory of Augustine’s letters found in the library of
respect human free will.
Hippo. It was found out that approximately one third of
b. Sermon 19A
the letters were already lost.
- evil does not come from God but is a result of the
African historian Victor of Vita.
misuse of free will by angels and humans.
- Called Agustin “river of eloquence” (flumen
6. Eschatology and the Final Judgment
eloquentiae)
a. Sermon 213
- . He stresses the need for vigilance, repentance, and
preparation for the coming of Christ.
b. Sermon 105
- encourage repentance and holy living.

KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

1. The Role of Grace (Anti-Pelagian Controversy)
- focusing on the role of human effort and divine grace
in salvation.
 a. Letter 186 (To Paulinus)
- only through God’s grace that humans can do any
good. Without grace, human free will is powerless
against sin
b. Letter 194 (To Sixtus)
- grace is given freely and not as a reward for human
merit. This letter also reinforces his view that salvation
is entirely dependent on God’s initiative.
2. Church Unity and Schism (Donatist Controversy)
- Augustine's letters were instrumental in defending the
Catholic Church against the Donatist schism. The
Donatists argued that the validity of the sacraments
depended on the moral purity of the clergy who
administered them.
a. Letter 87 (To Emeritus)
- Augustine stresses that the sacraments are valid by
virtue of Christ’s work, not the personal holiness of the
minister
b. Letter 93 (To Vincentius)
- Church is a "mixed body" of both saints and sinners
until the final judgment.
3. The Role of Bishops and the Pastoral Ministry
- the episcopal office as one of service and
responsibility, frequently exhorting his correspondents
to maintain humility, discipline, and care for their
congregations.
a. Letter 21 (To Bishop Valerius)
- heavy responsibilities of a bishop, particularly in terms
of teaching, guiding the faithful, and maintaining
Church discipline.
b. Letter 22 (To Aurelius)
- importance of humility in leadership
AUG 8 1. THE QUEST FOR GOD: Augustine’s Restless Heart
THE PHILOSOPHICAL TEACHINGS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE Explanation
- Idea that the human heart is inherently restless and
MAN’S CAPACITY FOR GOD only finds peace in God.
The Desire for God (CCC) - how humanity is drawn to praise God
- inclination is hindered by sin and mortality.
- is written in the human heart, because - soul longs for union with God, which reflects
- man is created by God and for God; and humanity's capacity to seek and know God
- God never ceases to draw man to himself. Insight
- Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he - human soul is made for God, and it cannot find peace
never stops searching for: until it rests in Him.
2. THE ROLE OF DIVINE ILLUMINATION: Knowledge
Through God’s Light
- man exists it is because God has created him through Explanation
love, and through love continues to hold him in - divine illumination, a crucial concept in his philosophy.
existence. He cannot live fully according to truth - he looked inward and encountered the “unchangeable
unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts Light,” symbolizing God's truth and wisdom.
himself to his creator.” (CCC 27) - Light is not physical but spiritual
- expression to their quest for God in their religious - knowledge of God comes from divine revelation rather
beliefs and behavior: than purely human effort.
o in their prayers, Insight
o sacrifices, Etienne Gilson explains Augustine's theory of divine
o rituals, illumination as follows:
o Meditations and so forth. - light that illuminates the mind is not a natural
The primary objective of Augustine’s philosophy is that phenomenon but a supernatural one, granted by God
humanity’s ultimate purpose is to seek and know God. to enable the mind to apprehend eternal truths
- Human reason is valuable, it is limited, and only 3. FAITH AND REASON: Harmony Between Belief and
through faith and divine assistance can individuals Understanding
truly understand God.
Explanation
In The Confessions - faith serves as the foundation for understanding truths
- Narrates his own that cannot be fully comprehended by human reason
search for God, alone.
showing that human - believing first in order to open the path toward deeper
restlessness can only knowledge of God
be resolved by finding - This belief does not negate reason; instead,
God. - prepares the mind to receive divine truth.
Insight
In The City of God - Henry Chadwick affirms Augustine’s view:
- earthly city, driven by “Augustine does not see faith as contrary to reason;
self-love, and the rather, it is the necessary precursor to understanding
heavenly city, driven divine truths that human intellect alone cannot grasp
by love of God 4. INNER REFLECTION AND ASCENT TO GOD: Turning
Inward to Find God
Explanation
On Christian Doctrine - Augustine encourages introspection, suggesting that
- Faith and reason work instead of seeking God in the external world, one
together, showing should look inward to the depths of their soul.
how scripture, when Insight
- Interpreted correctly, - Peter Brown remarks: “Augustine’s turn inward
guides believers to represents a significant philosophical shift, pointing to
God’s truth. the idea that true knowledge of God is accessible
through the examination of one's own inner life.”
De Trinitate 5. THE LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN UNDERSTANDING:
- explaining that Acknowledging Human Frailty
understanding God Explanation
requires both - can attain knowledge of God, this knowledge is never
intellectual inquiry and complete.
divine revelation. - God’s majesty surpasses human comprehension,
Insight
- Rowan Williams comments: “Augustine consistently
reminds us that while we may seek knowledge of God, we
must also accept that God is ultimately beyond human
comprehension, requiring humility in our pursuit.”
6. THE NECESSITY OF DIVINE GRACE
Explanation
- necessity of divine grace for both moral and intellectual
enlightenment.
- Human effort alone is insufficient to attain the truth about
God;
- it is only through God's grace that the mind can be freed
from ignorance and error.
Insight
- James J. O'Donnell explains: “For Augustine, grace is
indispensable for the soul’s progress toward God. It is by
grace that the mind is liberated from the darkness of sin
and can begin to perceive divine truths.”
7. THE JOURNEY TOWARDS WISDOM: Continuous Pursuit of
Understanding
Explanation
- The pursuit of knowledge of God is a lifelong journey.
- one gains understanding, it is never complete, and one
must continue seeking deeper wisdom.
- highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of spiritual and
intellectual growth
Insight
- Carol Harrison writes: “Augustine’s view of the soul’s
journey reflects the idea that the search for God is ongoing
and infinite, continually drawing the soul toward a fuller
understanding.”
AUG 9 AUGUSTINE TACKLED TWO KEY ISSUES:
THEOLOGICAL TEACHINGS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE: 1. The Holy Spirit:
- Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son, acting
THE VALUE OF BELIEF (De Utilitate Credendi) as a bond of love between them.
- emphasized Manichaean rationalism that rejected many - Spirit is a gift and symbolizes communion, showing a
Christian beliefs, particularly those found in the Old difference between how the Son is "generated" and the
Testament. Spirit "proceeds."
- faith must precede knowledge, meaning that belief in God 2. Psychological Explanation:
and divine revelation is necessary before one can gain true - Augustine used a comparison with the human mind to
understanding of spiritual truths. explain the Trinity. He described it with three elements:
o memory
 Represents God the Father. Memory stores
knowledge, experiences, and truths about
ourselves and the world, just as God the
Father is the source of all being and
knowledge.
o Understanding
 The Son proceeds from the Father and is the
perfect expression of the Father, just as
understanding proceeds from what is stored
in the memory
o Will
 It is likened to the Holy Spirit, who proceeds
from both the Father and the Son. Will
moves the soul toward action, similar to
how the How the Holy Spirit is seen as the
love proceeding from the Father and the
THE DOCTRINE OF TRINITY
- began with a profession of faith “This is my faith because it Son, uniting them in perfect harmony.
THE DOCTRINE OF ORIGINAL SIN:
is the Catholic faith”
- presented the difficulties raised by reason Remission of Sins vs. Interior Renewal
- examined the Scriptures to explain these difficulties. a. Remission of Sins
- when sins are forgiven, they are completely and fully
removed.
- All sins, without exception, are forgiven, and the person is
restored to innocence
b. Interior Renewal:
- This is a gradual process where a person becomes more
holy over time, but it is not completed until the
resurrection.
- damaged but not destroyed. The Holy Spirit works within
even baptized children, making them temples of God’s
presence.
- God the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit - are Initial Justification vs. Total Justification
all equal in power and greatness, but they are connected
by how they "come from" one another
a. Initial Justification
- Even though Christians receive grace and forgiveness in
this life, full justification will only be completed in the next
- God the Father
life, after the resurrection
o the source or origin.
- The Son (Jesus) b. Total and Conclusive Justification
o comes from the Father, like a word coming from - Augustine explained that after the resurrection, people
a thought. will receive:
- The Holy Spirit - greater freedom, called "libertas maior." In this final
o comes from both the Father and the Son, like state, they will no longer be able to sin or die, sharing in
love that connects them the divine nature. This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of
salvation
Augustine viewed justification as both a present and future reality:
- forgiveness happens now, but full transformation and
freedom from sin and death come in the next life.
Augustine's understanding of grace covers four key ideas: THEOLOGICAL METHOD OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
a. its nature, - emphasized that theology must be based on the authority
b. necessity, of faith, with Christ as its foundation.
Scripture
c. efficacy, and - Scripture as the heart of his theology.
d. gratuity. I - used Scripture to address theological debates, particularly
it was this defense which earned him the title of Doctor of grace. on topics like redemption, original sin, grace, free will, and
THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE the Church
Nature of Grace Tradition
- It is also the help God gives us to follow His commands, - emphasized the importance of Church tradition, handed
achieve justification, and stay in it. down through the Apostles, to understand and believe the
- Grace removes obstacles like ignorance and weakness Gospel.
(inability to do good). Since weakness is a bigger issue, - even if a teaching is difficult to explain, it must be followed
grace helps our will more than our understanding. because it is rooted in the Church’s history and the
- the love from God that helps us to do what is right and teachings of early Christian Fathers.
avoid evil. Church
Necessity of Grace - Church has the authority to determine the canon of
- the love from God that helps us to do what is right and Scripture, interpret it, and settle theological controversies.
avoid evil. - Church as the place of truth and unity, providing security
- grace is absolutely necessary for avoiding sin and turning in matters of faith.
to God. Without grace, humans cannot keep God’s
commandments or achieve salvation.
- we need to pray for grace, because grace makes it possible
for us to follow God's commandments
Efficacy of Grace
- Grace is effective, meaning it works to free us from sin,
evil, death, and time
- grace and free will work together. Grace does not take
away free will; instead, it heals and strengthens it, allowing
us to choose good freely.
- grace helps us, we must still cooperate with it, meaning we
have a role in accepting and acting on God’s grace.
Gratuity of Grace
- Grace is a free gift from God
- When God rewards our good deeds, He is actually
rewarding us for using the gifts He gave us in the first
place.
- God's necessary, powerful, and free gift that enables us to
follow His commands, avoid sin, and eventually reach
salvation, all while respecting our free will
THE DOCTRINE ON PREDESTINATION
Definition
- God's plan and preparation for the salvation of those who
will be set free from sin. God knows in advance who will
receive His grace and be saved, and He prepares these
gifts for them.
Gratuity of Predestination
- Predestination is entirely a free gift from God.
- An example of this is Jesus Christ, who was chosen by God
without any merit.
God’s Love for All
- God shows a special love for the elect (those predestined
for salvation), He also loves all people. Augustine taught
that those are saved by God's grace.
- Those who are not saved perish due to their own actions
and rejection of God's grace.
Justice of God
- God does not cause wickedness; He only condemns people
based on their own guilt and sins.
Christ's Sacrifice
- Christ died for all people, even those who would not be
saved. This shows God's universal love and desire for
everyone to be saved, even though not all will accept
salvation.
THE SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS OF ST. AUGUSTINE Prayer requires discipline
Song: Grace - Prayer involves lifting our hearts to God
1. 1. Acknowledgment of Weakness and Finding Strength in - struggling to control our thoughts during prayer shows
Weakness how much we need God's grace
2. Seeking God's Grace - Setting a regular time and maintaining a consistent
posture to train both the mind and body to focus on God.
3. Gratitude for Forgiveness - recommended that the actual time of praying be kept
4. Embracing Transformation short.
- Short prayers frequently repeated was what he
A Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians (Col. 3:2) recommended.
Spiritual Focus UNCEASING PRAYER
- prioritizing spiritual realities over temporal concerns - unceasing prayer is when a person's actions consistently
Contrast with Earthly Things align with Christian principles, specifically loving God and
- to avoid being consumed by worldly desires and instead loving others out of love for God
seek treasures in heaven. - Forgiveness and almsgiving as essential practices for
Identity in Christ unceasing prayer
- rooted in the understanding that believers have been forgiveness is an internal act
raised with Christ calls for a transformation in how they almsgiving is external
think and live. THE LORD’S PRAYER AS A MODEL
SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE Letter 130
doctrine on prayer - Where Augustine’s most direct exposition on the Lord’s
- most important aspect of Augustine's spiritual teaching Prayer is found
He viewed prayer - a significant letter that St. Augustine wrote to a Roman
- as a transformation of the heart and a deep desire for God. noblewoman named Anicia Faltonia Proba, around 412
- preparing our souls to receive what God wants to give us. AD.
- Necessity of prayer because it connects us to God's grace, Enchiridion
which is essential in overcoming spiritual challenges. - Augustine interprets the Lord’s Prayer as reflecting his idea
- not only benefits the individual but also has a social of pilgrimage
dimension, helping others through intercession. - Each petition in the prayer is directed to the Father
- is both a result of grace and a way to receive more grace, - first three petitions of the Lord’s Prayer, the pilgrim asks to
such as the gift of perseverance. become acceptable to God
For prayer to be effective, it must be - e final four petitions, the pilgrim asks God for everything
- offered in Christ's name, aligning with God’s plan for needed for the journey to eternity.
salvation
Summarized the role of Christ in prayer
- “Christ prays for us, prays in us, and is prayed to by us.”
- Christ is our Priest when He prays for us, our Head when
He prays within us, and our God when we pray to Him. We
therefore recognize our voice in him and his in us”.
(In.ps.85,1)
Letter 130 to Proba
- Most known source about prayer in Augustine this
progressively goes through the lines of the Lord’s Prayer.
Enarrationes in Psalmos
- gives an insight into Augustine’s understanding of the
relationship of Christ and the church in prayer. As well, his INTERIORITY IN PRAYER
Confessions is regarded as a lengthy written prayer Interiority
PRAYER AS HOLY DESIRE - translates to interioridad in Spanish and interiorità in
- types of prayer: Italian,
o laus (Latin for praise) and - refers to the inner life of a person, a core aspect of
o oratio (Latin for petition) spiritual tradition.
- described prayer as a form of desire or yearning for God - Involves turning inward to gain a deeper understanding of
- wanting God is already a form of prayer, even without oneself and God. It represents our “resting in God.”
words. (3) THREE LAYERS OF INTERIORITY
Prayer helps us learn and grow 1. Personal Inward Space:
- God guides and strengthens our desire for eternal life. - This refers to the inner self
- focus on that goal, deepening our longing for eternal 2. Inward Personal Revelation:
happiness. - In this inner space, a person may feel restlessness, a
SCRIPTURAL PRAYER spiritual unease in the search for God.
- Reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially the Psalms, 3. External Signs:
was a powerful form of prayer. - Augustine suggests that external words and sacraments
- guides and deepens our prayer are signs that represent inner realities and can help bring
the eternal truth into the soul.
De Magistro ("On the Teacher")
- no teacher on earth except Christ could instruct in the
eternal truth, which came directly through divine
illumination.
- Jesus as our “interior master,” emphasizing the need for
attentive inner silence to hear and understand Him during
interior prayer.
- “eyes and ears of the heart” to perceive what Christ wants
to communicate
Interiority
- involves spiritually withdrawing to meet God
- truth can be discovered through exploring one's inner life.
LECTIO DIVINA Matthew 6:5-8
5. “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand
and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may
see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
6. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and
pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will
repay you.
7. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will
be heard because of their many words.
8. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you
ask him.”
LECTIO DIVINA
- “divine reading”
- meditative way of reading the Bible in which we let go of
our own agendas and open ourselves to what God is trying
to say to us
- prayer as a renewal of our relationship with God through
the Word
- isn’t the same thing as a Bible study.
- more specific, more personal to you, in the moment you
are praying
o Bible studies
 lead us to interpret the Bible by asking
questions and at times, doing research, and
looking at the Bible as a whole.
- Intentionally focus on a short section of Scripture.
- Prayerful focus could be one passage, one verse, or even
just one word.
- Why do we pray with Lectio Divina: to become better
listeners and to remember the vitality of the Word.
Guide to Augustinian Lectio Divina
1. Inviting the Lord and His Spirit
2. Reading the Text (Lectio)
3. After reading, a moment of silence has to be observed.
4. Abiding with the Text (MEDITATIO):
5. Reading the Text the third time (ORATIO):
6. Sharing what has touched their life (COLLATIO):
7. Praying together (CONTEMPLATIO):
8. The facilitator invites the group to pray