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<h1>PRAYERS <br/>of the <br/>EARLY CHURCH</h1>
<p class="tbcenter"><b class="ss i">Edited by
<br/>J. MANNING POTTS</b></p>
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<p class="center">THE UPPER ROOM</p>
<p class="center">The World’s Most Widely Used Devotional Guide
<br/><span class="small"><span class="sc">1908 Grand Avenue
<br/>Nashville 5, Tennessee</span></span></p>
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<p class="center small">Copyright, 1953
<br/>by
<br/>The Upper Room
<br/>Nashville, Tennessee</p>
<p class="center small">UR-74-50-1053-10
<br/>Printed in the United States of America</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_3">3</div>
<h2 class="i">Preface</h2>
<p>Demand for books of prayers has caused this
book to be compiled. The experience of The
Upper Room in publishing Ralph S. Cushman’s
<i>A Pocket Book of Prayer</i> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_4">4</div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The prayers have been collected from many
old books of prayers and devotional materials.
The editor is deeply indebted to all those who
have ploughed the field before. They have labored
and we have entered into their labors. It
has been a joy to search out the material, to arrange
the prayers, to put them in order, and to
index them under so many subjects.</p>
<div class="verse">
<p class="t3"><span class="sc">J. Manning Potts</span></p>
<p class="t3">Editor, <i>THE UPPER ROOM</i></p>
<p class="t3">Nashville, Tennessee</p>
</div>
<div class="pb" id="Page_5">5</div>
<h2 class="i">Contents</h2>
<dt class="center"><span class="sc">Chapter I</span>
<br/><SPAN href="#c1">FIRST CENTURY PRAYERS</SPAN> 7
<br/><SPAN href="#c2">1. <span class="sc">New Testament Prayers</span></SPAN> 8
<br/>Simeon, Mary, Jesus, Stephen, Paul, Peter.
<br/><SPAN href="#c3">2. <span class="sc">Other First Century Prayers</span></SPAN> 15
<br/>Clement of Rome, Clementine Liturgy, Syrian Clementine Liturgy.
<dt class="center"><span class="sc">Chapter II</span>
<br/><SPAN href="#c4">SECOND CENTURY PRAYERS</SPAN> 21
<br/>Polycarp, Ignatius, Liturgy of St. James, Barnabas, Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus.
<dt class="center"><span class="sc">Chapter III</span>
<br/><SPAN href="#c5">THIRD CENTURY PRAYERS</SPAN> 31
<br/>Old Gallican Sacramentary, Liturgy of St. Mark, Eastern Church Liturgy, Eastern Church Vespers.
<dt class="center"><span class="sc">Chapter IV</span>
<br/><SPAN href="#c6">FOURTH CENTURY PRAYERS</SPAN> 41
<br/>Coptic Liturgy of St. Cyril, Ambrose, Nerses of Clajes, Gallican Sacramentary, Armenian Liturgy, Basil, Chrysostom, Augustine, Apostolic Constitutions.
<dt class="center"><span class="sc">Chapter V</span>
<br/><SPAN href="#c7">FIFTH CENTURY PRAYERS</SPAN> 77
<br/>Liturgy of the Nestorians, Ancient Collect, Leonine Sacramentary, Gelasian Sacramentary, Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div>
<h2 class="sc" id="c1">Chapter I <br/>FIRST CENTURY PRAYERS</h2>
<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div>
<h2 id="c2">1. New Testament Prayers</h2>
<h3>The Prayer of Simeon</h3>
<p>Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes
have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared
before the face of all people; a light to
lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy
people Israel.
<span class="lr">—Luke 2:29.</span></p>
<h3>The Magnificat</h3>
<p>And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the
Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my
Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate
of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth
all generations shall call me blessed. For
he that is mighty hath done to me great things;
and holy is his name. And his mercy is on
them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm;
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination
of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty
from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good
things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance
of his mercy.
<span class="lr">—Luke 1:46-54.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div>
<h3>Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane</h3>
<p>O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup
pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but
as thou wilt. O my Father, if this cup may
not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy
will be done.
<span class="lr">—Matt. 26:39, 42.</span></p>
<h3>Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer</h3>
<p>These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his
eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is
come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may
glorify thee: as thou hast given him power
over all flesh, that he should give eternal life
to as many as thou hast given him. And this
is life eternal, that they might know thee the
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth:
I have finished the work which thou gavest me
to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with
thine own self with the glory which I had with
thee before the world was. I have manifested
thy name unto the men which thou gavest me
out of the world: thine they were, and thou
gavest them me; and they have kept thy
word. Now they have known that all things
whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For
<span class="pb" id="Page_10">10</span>
I have given unto them the words which thou
gavest me; and they have received them, and
have known surely that I came out from thee,
and they have believed that thou didst send me.
<span class="lr">—John 17:1-8.</span></p>
<h3>Jesus Prays From the Cross</h3>
<p>Father, forgive them; for they know not
what they do.
<span class="lr">—Luke 23:34.</span></p>
<p>Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.
<span class="lr">—Luke 23:46.</span></p>
<h3>Prayer of Stephen</h3>
<p>And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God,
and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.</p>
<p>And he kneeled down, and cried with a
loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
<span class="lr">—Acts 7:59-60.</span></p>
<h3>That Christ May Dwell in Your Hearts</h3>
<p>Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith
in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
cease not to give thanks for you, making mention
of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto
you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
<span class="pb" id="Page_11">11</span>
knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding
being enlightened; that ye may know what
is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of
the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and
what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working
of his mighty power, which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and
set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places.</p>
<p>For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole
family in heaven and earth is named, that he
would grant you, according to the riches of his
glory, to be strengthened with might by his
Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell
in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted
and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend
with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height; and to know the love
of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye
might be filled with all the fulness of God.</p>
<p>Now unto him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, according
to the power that worketh in us, unto
him be glory forever and ever. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—Epistle to the Ephesians 1:15-20; 3:14-21.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div>
<h3>For Friends and Relatives</h3>
<p>O God, the Father of glory, the God of our
Lord Jesus Christ, of whom every family in
heaven and earth is named, thou who hast set
the solitary in families, grant to all members of
this family and to all the members of our different
families, that, according to the riches of
thy glory, we may be strengthened with might
by thy Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may
dwell in our hearts by faith; that we, being rooted
and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend
with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height; and to know the love of
Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we may
be filled with all the fulness of God; through
the eternal Christ our Saviour. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—<i>Adapted</i>: Ephesians 1:17; 3:15-19.</span></p>
<h3>For a Knowledge of God’s Will</h3>
<p>O Almighty God, we are confident of this very
thing, that he which hath begun a good work in
us, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
we pray that our love may abound yet more and
more in knowledge and in all judgment; that we
may approve things that are excellent; that we
may be sincere and without offense, till the day
of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness,
which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory
and praise of God. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—<i>Adapted</i>: Philippians 1:6-11.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div>
<h3>Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake</h3>
<p>O Lord, our heavenly Father, grant to thy children
who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake
that our conversation may be as becometh the
Gospel of Christ; that we may stand fast in one
spirit, with one mind striving together for the
faith of the Gospel; that in nothing terrified by
our adversaries we may be steadfast in behalf of
Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to
suffer for his sake, who liveth forever and ever.
<span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—<i>Adapted</i>: Philippians 1:27-29.</span></p>
<h3>For Spiritual Desires</h3>
<p>Our Father, we most humbly beseech Thee to
give unto this house, and unto each member of
it in particular, to stand fast in the Lord. May
we be of the same mind in the Lord. May we rejoice
in the Lord alway. Grant that whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, if there be
any praise, may we think on these things, may
we know both how to be abased, and how to
abound. May we do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth us, knowing that God shall
supply all our need according to his riches in
glory by Christ Jesus. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—<i>Adapted</i>: Philippians 4.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div>
<h3>Patience and Longsuffering</h3>
<p>For this cause we also, ... do not cease to
pray for you, and to desire that ye might be
filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom
and spiritual understanding; that ye might
walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being
fruitful in every good work and increasing in
the knowledge of God; strengthened with all
might according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving
thanks unto the Father, which hath made us
meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the
saints in light: who hath delivered us from the
power of darkness, and hath translated us unto
the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have
redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness
of sins.</p>
<p>Now unto God and our Father be glory for
ever and ever. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—<i>Adapted</i>: Epistles to the Colossians 1:9-14 and Philippians 4:20.</span></p>
<h3>Begotten to a Lively Hope</h3>
<p>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant
mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for
us. Keep us by the power of God through faith
<span class="pb" id="Page_15">15</span>
unto salvation; that the trial of our faith, being
much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honour and glory at the appearing of
Jesus Christ. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—<i>Adapted</i>: First Peter 1:3-7.</span></p>
<h2 id="c3">2. Other First Century Prayers</h2>
<h3>For All Kings and Rulers</h3>
<p>Grant unto all Kings and Rulers, O Lord,
health, peace, concord, and stability, that they
may administer the government which Thou
hast given them without failure. For Thou, O
heavenly Master, King of the Ages, givest to
the sons of men glory and honour, and power
over all things that are upon the earth. Do
Thou, Lord, direct their counsel according to
that which is good and well pleasing in Thy
sight, that administering in peace and gentleness,
with godliness, the power which Thou
hast given them, they may obtain Thy favour.
O Thou Who alone art able to do these things,
and things far more exceeding good than these,
for us, we praise Thee, through the High Priest
and Guardian of our souls, Jesus Christ; through
Whom be the glory and the majesty, unto Thee,
both now and for all generations, and forever
and ever. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—Clement of Rome.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div>
<h3>A Morning Prayer</h3>
<p>O God, Who art the unsearchable abyss of
peace, the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of
blessings, and the bestower of affection, Who
sendest peace to those that receive it; open to
us this day the sea of Thy love, and water us
with the plenteous streams from the riches of
Thy grace. Make us children of quietness, and
heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the fire of Thy
love; sow in us Thy fear; strengthen our weakness
by Thy power; bind us closely to Thee and
to each other in one firm bond of unity; for the
sake of Jesus Christ. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—Syrian Clementine Liturgy.</span></p>
<h3>For Rulers and Governors</h3>
<p>To our rulers and governors on the earth—to
them Thou, Lord, gavest the power of the
kingdom by Thy glorious and ineffable might,
to the end that we may know the glory and
honour given to them by Thee and be subject
to them, in nought resisting Thy will; to them,
Lord, give health, peace, concord, stability, that
they may exercise the authority given to them
without offence. For Thou, O heavenly Lord
and King eternal, givest to the sons of men
glory and honour and power over the things
that are on the earth; do Thou, Lord, direct
their counsel according to that which is good
<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span>
and well-pleasing in Thy sight, that, devoutly
in peace and meekness exercising the power
given them by Thee, they may find Thee propitious.
O Thou, who only hast power to do
these things and more abundant good with us,
we praise Thee through the High Priest and
Guardian of our souls Jesus Christ, through
whom be glory and majesty to Thee both now
and from generation to generation and forevermore.
<span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—Clement of Rome.</span></p>
<h3>For Blessings</h3>
<p>May God, who seeth all things, and who is
the Ruler of all spirits and the Lord of all flesh—who
chose our Lord Jesus Christ and us
through Him to be a peculiar people—grant to
every soul that calleth upon His glorious and
holy Name, faith, peace, patience, long-suffering,
self-control, purity, and sobriety, to the
well-pleasing of His Name, through our High
Priest and Protector, Jesus Christ, by whom be
to Him glory, and majesty, and power, and
honour, both now and forevermore. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—Clement of Rome.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div>
<h3>For Forgiveness</h3>
<p>Thou didst make to appear the enduring
fabric of the world by the works of Thy hand;
Thou, Lord, didst create the earth on which we
dwell,—Thou, who art faithful in all generations,
just in judgments, wonderful in strength
and majesty, with wisdom creating and with
understanding fixing the things which were
made, who art good among them that are being
saved and faithful among them whose
trust is in Thee; O merciful and Compassionate
One, forgive us our iniquities and offences
and transgressions and trespasses. Reckon not
every sin of Thy servants and handmaids, but
Thou wilt purify us with the purification of
Thy truth; and direct our steps that we may
walk in holiness of heart and do what is good
and well-pleasing in Thy sight and in the sight
of our rulers. Yea, Lord, make Thy face to
shine upon us for good in peace, that we may
be shielded by Thy mighty hand and delivered
from every sin by Thine uplifted arm, and
deliver us from those who hate us wrongfully.
Give concord and peace to us and all who dwell
upon the earth, even as Thou gavest to our
fathers, when they called upon Thee in faith
and truth, submissive as we are to Thine almighty
and all-excellent Name. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—Clement of Rome.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div>
<h3>Prayer Before Partaking of the Holy Sacrament</h3>
<p>O God, who art great, great in name and
counsel, powerful in Thy works, the God and
Father of Thy Holy Son Jesus, our Saviour,
look upon us, Thy flock, which Thou hast
chosen through Him to the glory of Thy Name;
sanctify us in body and soul, and grant that
we, being purified from all filthiness of flesh
and spirit, may partake of the mystic blessings
now going before Thee, and judge none of us
unworthy of them, but be Thou our Supporter,
our Helper, and Defender, through Thy Christ,
with whom glory, honour, laud, praise, thanksgiving,
be to Thee and the Holy Ghost forever.
<span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—The Clementine Liturgy.</span></p>
<h3>A Pure Heart</h3>
<p>O God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, Thine only begotten Son, give me a
body unstained, a pure heart, a watchful mind,
and an upright understanding, and the presence
of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may obtain and ever
hold fast to an unshaken faith in Thy Truth,
through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord;
through whom be glory to Thee in the Holy
Ghost, forever and ever. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—The Clementine Liturgy.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div>
<h3>For Joy and Gladness</h3>
<p>Blessed art Thou, O Lord, who hast nourished
me from my youth up, who givest food to all
flesh. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness,
that we, always having all sufficiency in all
things, may abound to every good work in
Christ Jesus our Lord, through whom to Thee
be glory, honour, might, majesty, and dominion,
forever and ever. <span class="sc">Amen.</span>
<span class="lr">—The Clementine Liturgy.</span></p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div>
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