37. What effects does prayer bring about in the soul?.... ....... 45 (continued)
37. What effects does prayer bring about in the soul?
"Prayer produces a certain conversion of heart toward him who is always ready to give inasmuch as we are in condition to receive. And in this conversion a purification of the interior eye is wrought in such a way that those things in the temporal order which we used to desire are excluded. In this way the inner eye, having become pure, can withstand the pure light - changeless and never setting - which shines divinely. But not only withstanding the light, it dwells in it, too. And not merely remaining in it unbothered, but it lives in it with ineffable joy, in which consists the truly blessed and perfect
Clearly, Augustine is speaking of contemplation, the height of all prayer. In just a few words, our author presents us with a theology of prayer on several levels.
Prayer effects conversion toward God and aversion from earthly desires.
The soul undergoes purification in order to grow in the virtue of poverty of spirit.
The soul is made ready to receive God more fully and indeed comes to dwell in him, in a permanent presence of God.
The contemplative soul is brought to the perfect joy and blessed life for which she was created.
At the end of it all, the greatest effect of prayer is the love and desire it enkindles and preserves. "And his mercy has taken everything into account. All that bears fruit, he says, should remain; that whatever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Similarly, let love remain; for he himself is our gain. And this love remains for the moment as loving desire, an enjoyment not yet completely