Prayers of the Early Church
Edited by J. MANNING POTTS
THE UPPER ROOM
The World’s Most Widely Used Devotional Guide 1908 Grand Avenue Nashville 5, Tennessee
Copyright, 1953 by The Upper Room Nashville, Tennessee
UR-74-50-1053-10 Printed in the United States of America
Demand for books of prayers has caused this book to be compiled. The experience of The Upper Room in publishing Ralph S. Cushman’s A Pocket Book of Prayer with its sale of over a million copies and the reaction from the publication of other prayer books have prompted the editor to collect and arrange these prayers. There are prayers of our Lord, the apostles, the martyrs, and the saints covering the period of the Early Church from its beginning through the fifth century. There are some prayers from each of the first five centuries. The treasure house from which to choose is almost unlimited. It is a vast and fruitful field and anyone is amply rewarded who delves into it.
The prayers have been selected primarily for their spiritual and devotional content. Many have been laid aside with regret that they could not be included in this book, but its compass in size is set and only so many can be used.
The prayers are arranged chronologically. Some other method of arrangement might have been chosen but this seemed good in order to represent each century. There are questions about the date and authorship of the prayers. They are the same questions that arise in reference to the Books of the Bible.
This book of prayers is published with the hope and prayer that it may have wide use. It has been prepared for individual and family devotions. It can be used with prayer groups in prayer meetings, for cells, and, of course, for the development of one’s own personal spiritual life. The material is perfect for use in the devotional services of young people’s groups, women’s groups, and men’s clubs. The prayers are excellent for insertion in church bulletins. Other ways will be found of making these great prayers usable.
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Preface
Contents
1. New Testament Prayers
The Prayer of Simeon
The Magnificat
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer
Jesus Prays From the Cross
Prayer of Stephen
That Christ May Dwell in Your Hearts
For Friends and Relatives
For a Knowledge of God’s Will
Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
For Spiritual Desires
Patience and Longsuffering
Begotten to a Lively Hope
2. Other First Century Prayers
For All Kings and Rulers
A Morning Prayer
For Rulers and Governors
For Blessings
For Forgiveness
Prayer Before Partaking of the Holy Sacrament
A Pure Heart
For Joy and Gladness
Intercession
A Dying Prayer of Polycarp, the Martyr
A Prayer for the Privilege of Martyrdom
For Soul Cleansing
To Witness for Christ
For a Pure Heart
Sanctify Us, O Lord
For Stewardship
Stewardship
Prayer to the Teacher
For Growth in Grace
For Blessings
For Light
For the Peace of Christ’s Flock
Before the Holy Communion
For Divine Strength
For Blessings
A Morning Prayer
Thanksgiving and Prayer for Pardon
For Friends and Relations
For Christian Graces
A Table Grace
Morning Prayer
A Table Grace
For Ministers
For Illumination
For Charity
For Protection
For Pardon
For Trust and Fuller Knowledge
For Salvation
For Freedom From Sin
For Pardon
For Purity
Confession of Sin
For Protection
A Prayer for Spiritual Blessings
For Those Gathered in Worship
For Right Blessings
For Converts in Mission Fields
For Light and Guidance
For Two or Three
For All People
Invocation
For Refreshment
Adoration
The Holy Spirit
For Entire Love
For Steadfastness
For Perseverance
For Mercy
Refuge and Peace
Perfect Love
For Perfect Light
For More Love
For Mercy and Grace
For a Safe Voyage
For Perfect Love
For Obedience and Love
For Light
For Illumination
Obligation to Others
For Refreshment
For Increased Godly Knowledge
Praise
For Grace
For Peace
Evening Prayer
For Perfection
For Light
Communion with God
Rest in Thee
For Light
A Morning Prayer
The Thanksgiving for the Morning
A Morning Prayer
An Evening Prayer
An Evening Prayer
An Evening Prayer
Table Grace
For the First-Fruits
Thanks For Thy Mercies
For The Holy Spirit
For the Faithful
On the Lord’s Day
For the Holy Communion
After the Holy Communion
For Thy Peace
Intercession
An Evening Thanksgiving
For Blessing
For Communicants
For Right Living
For Heavenly-Mindedness
For Love of God’s Law
For Christ’s Presence
For National Peace
For Light and Guidance
For Acceptable Petitions
For Peace
For Those Who Minister
For Good Use of Blessings
For Cleansing
For Grace and Protection
A Morning Prayer
For the Sorrowing
For Protection
For Love of God
For God’s Guidance
For Refreshment
For Light
For True Joy
For Goodness
On a Fast-Day
A Prayer for Divine Help
Praise
For Light
For the Holy Spirit
For Thy Will
For Forgiveness
To Serve Thee
For Thy Presence
General Petitions
For Christ’s Servants Everywhere
For the Spread of Christianity
For Grace
For Enlightenment
INDEX
Transcriber’s Notes
