The Soliloquies of St. Augustine: A Manual of Contemplative Prayer is an inner dialogue between Augustine and his own Reason. Augustine coined the term soliloquy to describe the intense conversation in which he asks questions, discusses them, and provides answers within his own mind. The Soliloquies is often described as a bridge between Neoplatonic philosophy (which Augustine had previously studied) and Christian theology, showcasing Augustine's transition into a profound Christian thinker. The book is seen as a guide to contemplative prayer because it encourages the reader to look inward (introspection) and engage in an inner dialogue with God, letting go of attachment to the things of the senses.