Origen on the Return of the Fallen Soul to God Through the Interplay of Prayer and Scripture

Abstract

Many studies of Origen’s biblical hermeneutics address Origen’s allegorical approach in isolation from his devotional practice. This approach does not reflect the fullness of Origen’s mystical understanding of the Scriptures. For Origen, the spiritual reading cannot stand alone because prayer is needed to make the reading work in the life of readers and the hearers. Origen believes the hidden meaning of Scripture has a close link to the absolute power of God over human beings. The teachings concealed under a poor style of letter can only be illuminated by the power of God. Therefore, prayer and the mystical reading of Scripture are inseparable elements functioning to edify the soul toward perfection. For Origen, in order to take Christians to an encounter with the deepest meaning of Scripture so that they might experience Scripture mystically, prayer is the key.