Early Christian Beliefs About Prayer

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Short Version) Direct teaching

And pray without ceasing on behalf of other people. For there is hope of repentance in them that they may attain to God. See, then, that they are instructed by your works, if in no other way. Be meek in response to their wrath, humble in opposition to their boasting; return your prayers for their blasphemies; be steadfast in the faith in contrast to their error; and manifest your gentleness for their cruelty. While we take care not to imitate their conduct, let us be found their brethren in all true kindness; and let us seek to be followers of the Lord (who was ever more unjustly treated, more destitute, more condemned?), so that no plant of the devil may be found in you, but you may remain in all holiness and sobriety in Jesus Christ, both with respect to the flesh and spirit.

Polycarp, Epistle to the Philippians Direct teaching

“watching unto prayer,” and persevering in fasting; beseeching in our supplications the all-seeing God “not to lead us into temptation,” as the Lord has said: “The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Tertullian, On Prayer Direct teaching

Touching times of prayer nothing at all has been prescribed, except clearly to pray at every time and every place.

Ignatius, Epistle to Polycarp (Short Version) Direct teaching

Give thyself to prayer without ceasing. Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast.

Ignatius of Antioch, Connection to 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Direct teaching

Give thyself to prayer without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

let constant prayer never cease at all; let saving labour persevere.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Direct teaching

pray without ceasing,

Romans 12:12 Direct teaching

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Luke 18:1 Background

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Supporting witness

that it should throughout the whole of life fall on bended knee, and offer supplication with never-ceasing prayers.

Didache, The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Background

Now about the Thanksgiving, or Eucharist, give thanks in this way. First, about the cup: "We thank You, our Father, for the holy vine of David Your Servant, which You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant. To You be the glory forever." And about the broken bread: "We thank You, our Father, for the life and knowledge that You made known to us through Jesus Your Servant. To You be the glory forever." Just as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and then was gathered together and became one, so let Your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Your kingdom. For Yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever. But let no one eat or drink of your Thanksgiving, or Eucharist, except those who have been baptized into the name of the Lord. For about this also the Lord has said, "Do not give what is holy to dogs." Matthew 7:6

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version) Direct teaching

And pray without ceasing on behalf of others; for there is hope of their repentance, that they may attain to God. For “can’t the one who falls rise again, and the one who goes astray return?” Permit them, then, to be instructed by you. Be therefore the ministers of God and the mouth of Christ. For thus says the Lord, “If you take the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth.” Be humble in response to their wrath; oppose their blasphemies with your earnest prayers; while they go astray, stand steadfast in the faith. Conquer their harsh temper with gentleness, their passion with meekness. For “blessed are the meek;” and Moses was meek above all men; and David was exceedingly meek. Therefore, Paul exhorts as follows: “The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle towards all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves.” Do not seek to avenge yourselves on those who injure you, for says [the Scripture], “If I have returned evil to those who returned evil to me.” Let us make them brethren by our kindness. For say to those who hate you, You are our brethren, that the name of the Lord may be glorified. And let us imitate the Lord, “who,

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

If, therefore, you have anything against your brother, or he has anything against you, neither will your prayers be heard, nor will your thanksgivings be accepted, by reason of that hidden anger.

Ignatius, The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version) Direct teaching

For if the prayer of one or two possesses such power that Christ stands in the midst of them, how much more will the prayer of the bishop and of the whole Church, ascending up in harmony to God, prevail for the granting of all their petitions in Christ!

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. Mark Supporting witness

The prayers they offer up for us, and we for them, do You, O Lord, receive at Your holy, heavenly, and reasonable altar.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Direct teaching

...ayer to the gods of my country. But, as they did not respond, I called upon those among us known as Christians. Upon investigation, I found a great number and multitude of them and initially acted against them, which was quite inappropriate, as I later understood their power. They began the battle, not with weapons, armor, or bugles, as such preparations are detestable to them because of the God they carry in their conscience. Therefore, it appears that those we think are atheists have God as their guiding force entrenched in their conscience. Throwing themselves on the ground, they prayed not only for me but for the entire army, that we might be saved from the current thirst and hunger. We had been without water for five days because there was none, being deep in Germany, in enemy territory. Simultaneously as they threw themselves on the ground and prayed to God (a God unknown to me), water poured from the sky, refreshingly cool upon us but as withering hail upon Rome's enemies. Immediately we acknowledged the presence of God following their prayer—a God unconquerable and indestructible. Based on this, let us pardon such individuals who are Christians, lest they pray for and ac

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Direct teaching

... as you can; and you curse Him without ceasing, as well as those who side with Him; while all of us pray for you, and for all people, as our Christ and Lord taught us to do, when He instructed us to pray even for our enemies, and to love those who hate us, and to bless those who curse us.

1 Timothy 2:1 Direct teaching

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Acts 12:5 Direct teaching

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Acts 2:42 Direct teaching

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

John 17:20 Direct teaching

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

1 Samuel 12:23 Direct teaching

And far be it from me to sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way.

1 Esdras 6:31 Supporting witness

that offerings may be made to the most high God for the king and for his children, and that they may pray for their lives.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...l the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3 “Continue in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 And thanksgiving has a place not only for the soul and spiritual blessings, but also for the body, and for the good things of the body. And he reveals still more clearly that knowledge does not belong to all, by adding, “Praying at the same time for you, that God would open to us a door to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am bound; that I may make it known as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:3-4 For there were certainly, among the Hebrews, some things delivered unwritten. For it is said, “When by this time you ought to be teachers,” as if they had grown old in the Old Testament, “you again need someone to teach you what are the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For everyone who partakes of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe, being instructed with the first lessons. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to distinguish between good and evil. Therefore, leaving the first principle

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

Continue in prayer, watching thereunto with thanksgiving. Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

And the form of his prayer is thanksgiving for the past, for the present, and for the future as already through faith present.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

Those which were then the sacrifices now are prayers, and intercessions, and thanksgivings.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Background

A Prayer, with Thanksgiving, Declarative of God's Providence Over the Beings He Has Made.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

Matthew 5:23-24 Now the gift to God is every one's prayer and thanksgiving.

Gregory Thaumaturgus, Oration to Origen Supporting witness

...ing are judged. Therefore, it is not right for us to shrink from this duty because we fear that our thanksgivings may not be equal to our obligations. On the contrary, we ought to dare and attempt everything, so that we may offer thanksgivings, if not equal to what we owe, at least such as it is in our power to give as a due return. And I wish that my speech, even if it falls short of the perfect measure, may at least reach the mark in some degree, and may escape every appearance of ingratitude. For persistent silence, kept under the plausible pretext of an inability to say anything worthy of the subject, is a vain and evil thing. But it is the mark of a good disposition always to attempt a fitting return, even if the power of the one offering grateful acknowledgment is less than what the subject deserves. As for me, even though I am unable to speak as the matter deserves, I will not keep silence. But when I have done all that I possibly can, then I may congratulate myself. Let this, then, be the method of my thanksgiving speech. To God indeed, the God of the universe, I do not think of speaking in such terms. Yet it is from Him that all the beginnings of our blessings come. And

Colossians 4:2 Supporting witness

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Ephesians 1:16 Supporting witness

do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

2 Corinthians 1:11 Supporting witness

you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Psalms 100:4 Background

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalms 116:17 Background

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

This treatise of Cyprian on the Lord’s Prayer has three parts. In this division he follows Tertullian in his book On Prayer. In the first part, he shows that the Lord’s Prayer is the greatest of all prayers, deeply spiritual, and most effective for obtaining what we ask. In the second part, he gives an explanation of the Lord’s Prayer. Still following in Tertullian’s footsteps, he goes through its seven main clauses. Finally, in the third part, he considers the conditions of prayer and tells us what prayer ought to be.

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

Next in the prayer comes, "Your kingdom come." We ask that the kingdom of God may come to us, just as we also ask that His name may be sanctified in us. For when does God not reign? Or when does that begin in Him which has always existed and never stops existing? We pray that our kingdom may come, the kingdom promised to us by God, which was obtained by the blood and suffering of Christ. Then we who are first His subjects in the world may afterward reign with Christ when He reigns, as He Himself promises and says, "Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). However, dearest brothers, Christ Himself may also be understood as the kingdom of God. We desire Him to come day by day, and we long for His coming to be quickly shown to us. For since He Himself is the Resurrection, and since in Him we rise again, so also the kingdom of God may be understood to be Himself, since in Him we shall reign. But we do well in seeking the kingdom of God, that is, the heavenly kingdom, because there is also an earthly kingdom. But the one who has already renounced the world is also greater than its honors and its kingdom. And

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

...essness of your prayer. This is to be watchful with your eyes and asleep with your heart, while the Christian, even if he is asleep with his eyes, ought to be awake with his heart, as it is written in the person of the Church speaking in the Song of Songs, "I sleep, yet my heart wakes." Song of Songs 5:2 Therefore the apostle anxiously and carefully warns us, saying, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same;" Colossians 4:2 teaching and showing, that those whom God sees to be watchful in prayer are able to obtain from God what they ask.

Tertullian, On Prayer Direct teaching

The Spirit of God, and the Word of God, and the Reason of God — Word of Reason, and Reason and Spirit of Word — Jesus Christ our Lord, namely, who is both the one and the other, — has determined for us, the disciples of the New Testament, a new form of prayer;

Tertullian, On Prayer Supporting witness

so that, in fact, in the Prayer is comprised an epitome of the whole Gospel.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

In the Second Part, He Undertakes an Explanation of the Lord's Prayer;

Athenagoras, The Resurrection of the Dead Supporting witness

... this, let them stop this godless disbelief and this blasphemy against sacred things. For it will clearly appear from what I am about to say that they do not speak the truth when they say that it is impossible, or not in agreement with the divine will. Strictly speaking, a thing is considered impossible for a person when it is such that he either does not know what must be done, or does not have enough power to do properly what he knows must be done. A person who does not know what needs to be done is completely unable either to attempt or to do what he does not know. In the same way, a person who knows very well what must be done, and by what means, and how, but has either no power at all to do the known thing, or not enough power, will not even try, if he is wise and considers his own strength. And if he did try without proper thought, he would not accomplish his purpose. But it is not possible for God to be ignorant, either of the nature of the bodies that are to be raised, both with regard to the members as a whole and the particles of which they consist, or of where each of the dissolved particles goes, and what part of the elements has received what was dissolved and passe

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

Let us continue to pray to God through His Christ. Let us ask Him, concerning the gift that is offered to the Lord God, that the good God will accept it through the mediation of His Christ on His heavenly altar, as a sweet-smelling fragrance. Let us pray for this church and people. Let us pray for every bishopric, every presbytery, all the deacons and ministers in Christ, and for the whole congregation, that the Lord will keep and preserve them all. Let us pray for kings and those in authority, that they may be peaceable toward us, so that we may have and live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, 1 Timothy 2:2. Let us remember the holy martyrs, that we may be considered worthy to share in their trial. Let us pray for those who have departed in the faith. Let us pray for the good tempering of the air and the full ripening of the fruits. Let us pray for those who are newly enlightened, that they may be strengthened in the faith, and that all may be comforted by one another. Raise us up, O God, by Your grace. Let us stand up and dedicate ourselves to God through His Christ. And let the bishop say: O God, who are great, and whose name is great, who are great in coun

Hebrews 5:7 Background

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

Matthew 6:5 Background

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Luke 11:1 Background

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

Tertullian, On Prayer Direct teaching

For what has God, who requires it, ever denied to prayer that comes from spirit and truth? We read, and hear, and believe, what mighty proofs of its power there are. In old times, prayer did indeed free people from fires, Daniel 3, and from beasts, Daniel 6, and from famine. And yet at that time it had not received its form from Christ. But how much more fully effective is Christian prayer! It does not place the angel of dew in the midst of fires, or muzzle lions, or transfer the farmers' bread to the hungry, 2 Kings 4:42-44. It has no grace given to it to keep away any sense of affliction. But it supplies the suffering, and the feeling, and the grieving, with endurance. It increases grace by virtue, so that faith may know what she obtains from the Lord, understanding what, for God's name's sake, she suffers. But in former days, prayer also used to call down plagues, scatter the armies of enemies, and withhold the wholesome influence of the showers. Now, however, the prayer of righteousness turns away all God's anger, keeps camp on behalf of personal enemies, and makes supplication on behalf of persecutors. Is it any wonder if it knows how to obtain the rains of heaven, when it was

Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching

Before all things, the Teacher of peace and the Master of unity did not want prayer to be made separately and individually, as if each person should pray only for himself. For we do not say, "My Father, who art in heaven," or, "Give me today my daily bread." Nor does each person ask that only his own debt should be forgiven. Nor does he ask for himself alone that he may not be led into temptation and delivered from evil. Our prayer is public and shared. And when we pray, we do not pray for one person, but for the whole people, because we, the whole people, are one. The God of peace and the Teacher of harmony, who taught unity, willed that each one should pray in this way for all, just as He Himself bore us all in one. The three children kept this rule of prayer when they were shut up in the fiery furnace. They prayed together and were of one heart in the agreement of the spirit. Sacred Scripture assures us of this. And by telling us how such people prayed, it gives an example that we ought to follow in our prayers, so that we may be as they were: "Then these three," it says, "as if from one mouth sang a hymn and blessed the Lord." They spoke as if from one mouth, although Christ ha

Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching

...onomy 5. And so on. These things must be kept, along with whatever else is commanded in reading the Bible. And by Isaiah He commands us: "Wash yourselves, and make yourselves clean. Put away wickedness from your souls before my eyes. Learn to do good. Seek judgment. Rescue the wronged. Judge for the orphan, and justify the widow. And come, and let us reason together," says the Lord. And we will find many examples in other places also. For example, about prayer, Scripture says, "Good works are an acceptable prayer to the Lord." And the manner of prayer is described: "If you see the naked, cover him, and do not overlook those who belong to your own seed. Then your light shall break forth early, and your healing shall spring up quickly; and your righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of God shall surround you." What, then, is the fruit of such prayer? "Then you shall call, and God will hear you; while you are still speaking, He will say, 'I am here.'"

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

... during those hours or days when they go through such things, do they refuse to pray, or to touch a Bible, or to receive the Eucharist? If they admit that they do, then it is plain that they are without the Holy Spirit, who always remains with the faithful. For Solomon says about holy people, "So that each one may prepare himself, so that when he sleeps it may keep him, and when he rises it may speak with him," Proverbs 6:22. For if you think, woman, that when you are in your seven days of separation you are without the Holy Spirit, then if you were to die suddenly, you would depart without the Spirit and without sure hope in God. Or else you must understand that the Spirit is always inseparable from you, since He is not confined to a place. But you need prayer and the Eucharist and the coming of the Holy Spirit, because in this matter you have committed no sin. For neither lawful union, nor childbearing, nor menstrual cleansing, nor a nighttime emission can defile a person's nature or separate the Holy Spirit from him. Nothing can do that except impiety and unlawful conduct. For the Holy Spirit always remains with those who have Him, as long as they are worthy. And when He depa

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

Prayer, then, and desire, follow in order, with the view of possessing the blessings and advantages offered.

Cyprian, Treatises Supporting witness

And therefore, as they prayed, their speech was availing and effectual, because a peaceful, and sincere, and spiritual prayer deserved well of the Lord.

Tatian, Fragments of Tatian Supporting witness

In his treatise, Concerning Perfection according to the Saviour, he writes, Consent indeed fits for prayer, but fellowship in corruption weakens supplication.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...s something to say to her. A woman who thinks about such things will no longer pay attention to her prayers, but to that thought which comes to her. So even if at times she would pray for someone, she will not be heard, because she does not offer her petition to the Lord with her whole heart, but with a divided mind. But she who gives attention to God will stay inside and care for the things of the Lord day and night, offering her sincere petition with a mouth ready to speak it without ceasing. Therefore, as Judith, most famous for her wisdom and well known for her modesty, prayed to God night and day for Israel, so also the widow who is like her will offer her intercession to God for the Church without ceasing. And He will hear her, because her mind is fixed on this one thing alone, and is not inclined to be insatiable, covetous, or wasteful. Her eye is pure, her hearing clean, her hands undefiled, her feet quiet, and her mouth prepared neither for gluttony nor for foolish talk, but for speaking what is fitting, and for taking only such things as are necessary for her support. So, being serious and giving no disturbance, she will be pleasing to God. And as soon as she asks for

Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies Supporting witness

... Yet it was also not fitting for Sophia to exist in the midst of such passions, in fear and sorrow, supplication and perplexity. Therefore, as so great an Aeon, and as the offspring of the whole Pleroma, he caused the passions to depart from her, and he made them essences with substantial existence. He changed fear into animal desire, and made grief material, and rendered perplexity the passion of demons. But conversion, entreaty, and supplication, he established as a path to repentance and as power over the animal essence, which is called right. The Creator acted from fear. And this is what, he says, Scripture declares: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." For this is the beginning of the affections of Sophia. She was seized first with fear, next with grief, then with perplexity, and so she sought refuge in entreaty and supplication. And the animal essence, he says, is of a fiery nature. It is also called by them the super-celestial Topos, and Hebdomad, and Ancient of Days. And whatever other such statements they make about this Aeon, they claim that these apply to the animal one, whom they say is the creator of the world. Now he has the appearance of fire. Moses

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

...d by the very enjoyment they desire. Therefore they withdraw and return. But virtue is everlasting, without any interruption. Nor can the one who has once taken it up depart from it. For if it should be interrupted, if we can at any time do without it, then vices, which always oppose virtue, will return. Therefore virtue has not really been grasped if it leaves its post, if it ever withdraws. But when it has made a firm dwelling for itself, it must necessarily be at work in every action. Nor can it faithfully drive away and put vices to flight unless it guards without ceasing the heart in which it lives. Therefore the unbroken continuance of virtue itself shows that the soul of man, if it has received virtue, remains enduring, because virtue is everlasting, and the human mind alone receives virtue. Since, therefore, vices are contrary to virtue, the whole systems must necessarily differ from each other and be opposed to each other. For vices are agitations and disturbances of the soul; but virtue, on the other hand, is gentleness and calmness of mind. Because vices are temporary and short-lived, virtue is everlasting and constant, and always consistent with itself. Because the f

Ephesians 6:18 Direct teaching

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Philippians 4:6 Supporting witness

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.