Origen on Prayer
by Origen
Summary
Although it was written in the late
first/early second century CE, today Origen on Prayer
remains an influential text for believers on the practice, structure,
and mindset of prayer. Early church scholar and theologian Origen was
born, lived, and taught in Alexandria, Egypt and wrote several works.
Origen writes that prayer is the way in which humans can know and have
discourse with God. He notes the many ways prayer is depicted in the
Bible, and then tackles the argument that prayer is superfluous. He
describes the four purposes of prayer: requests, prayers (praise),
intercessions, and thanksgivings. Origen also performs an exegesis of
the Lord's Prayer, and this in-depth look at each phrase of the prayer
is a valuable resource for Christians old and new. Origen concludes
with comments on the formalities of prayer, in which he describes the
proper posture and state of mind for praying. Origen on Prayer
is
helpful for those who wish to know how to approach prayer and notable
for its expert discussion of the Lord's Prayer. Origen uses many
Biblical references, particularly to prayerful characters, so the text
presents a number of heralded role models for our communication with
God.
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
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