(1) Christian Prayers of the first century ╰⊰¸¸.•¨* ENGLISH ORTHODOX FLOWERS
Christian Prayers of the 1st century
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Deliver Us from Every Evil
Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
and grant us peace in our day.
In your mercy keep us free from sin
and protect us from all anxiety
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Source: Roman Rite
This prayer is called the “embolism,” a word for a short prayer inserted into another prayer. According to the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia, “[t]he embolism may date back to the first centuries, since, under various forms, it is found in all the Occidental and in a great many Oriental, particularly Syrian, Liturgies.”
Original in Latin:
Libera nos, quæsumus, Domine, ab omnibus malis, da propitius pacem in diebus nostris, ut, ope misericordiæ tuæ adiuti, et a peccato simus semper liberi, et ab omni perturbatione securi: expectantes beatam spem et adventum Salvatoris nostri Iesu Christi.
This short prayer is often inserted into the Lord’s Prayer in this manner:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
and grant us peace in our day.
In your mercy keep us free from sin
and protect us from all anxiety
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
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The Paschal Greeting
Greeting: Christ is risen!
Response: He is risen indeed!
Variant:
Greeting: The Lord is risen!
Response: He is risen indeed!
Source: Ancient Christian greeting.
Original in Greek:
Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!
Latin:
Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!
German:
Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaft auferstanden! or
Der Herr ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!
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A Prayer from Saint Clement of Rome (c. 35-101)
We beseech You, Master, to be our helper and protector.
Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;
Raise up the fallen;
appear to the needy;
heal the ungodly;
Restore the wanderers of Your people;
Feed the hungry;
ransom our prisoners;
Raise up the sick;
comfort the faint-hearted.
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About the Eucharist, from the Didache
Now about the Eucharist, this is how to give thanks: First in connection with the cup:
We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David, your servant, which you have revealed through Jesus, your Son. To you be glory forever.
Then in connection with the piece broken off the loaf:
We thank you, our Father, for the life and knowledge which you have revealed through Jesus, your Son. To you be glory forever.
As this piece of bread was scattered over the hills and then was brought together and made one, so let your Church be brought together from the ends of the earth into your Kingdom. For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever.
You must not let anyone eat or drink of your Eucharist except those baptized in the Lord’s name. For in reference to this the Lord said, “Do not give what is sacred to dogs.”
After you have finished your meal, say grace in this way:
We thank you, holy Father, for your sacred name which you have lodged in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have revealed through Jesus, your Son. To you be glory forever.
Almighty Master, you have created everything for the sake of your name, and have given people food and drink to enjoy that they may thank you. But to us you have given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through Jesus, your Son.
Above all, we thank you that you are mighty. To you be glory forever.
Remember, Lord, your Church, to save it from all evil and to make it perfect by your love. Make it holy, and gather it together from the four winds into your Kingdom which you have made ready for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever.
Let grace come and let this world pass away.
Hosanna to the God of David!
If anyone is holy, let him come.
If not, let him repent.
Our Lord, come!
Amen.
Source: Freely modified from The Didache, ed. Cyril Richardson, 1953. CCEL. The Didache also known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is a brief anonymous early Christian treatise, dated by most modern scholars to the first century. Some elements of The Didache are similar to the Gospel of Matthew, some seem to be apocryphal additions.
“As this piece of bread…” is similar in thought to 1 Corinthians 10:17.
“Do not give what is sacred to dogs” is from Matthew 7:6.
“But you have given spiritual food… is similar to 1 Corinthians 10:3.
“Remember, Lord, your Church, to save it from all evil…” is similar to
Matthew 6:13.
“Make it holy, and gather it together from the four winds…” is similar to
Matthew 24:31
“To you be glory forever” and “For yours is the power and the glory forever” is similar to Romans 11:36, Revelation 1:6, and many doxological phrases in the New Testament.
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Grant that We May Set Our Hope on Your Name
This prayer by Clement of Rome is regarded as “the oldest Christian prayer known outside Scripture” and it “closely follows the Eighteen Blessings, recited daily by Jews, and gives us some idea of what the improvised prayer in the earliest forms of the liturgy must have been like.” The editor of one collection of early prayers notes, “the emotion behind it is controlled, sober and dignified, foreshadowing the Roman liturgy. It is biblical and traditional, respecting and loving the past, yet at the same time aquiver with joys and hopes that are new.” (Early Christian Prayers, ed. Hamman, tr. Mitchell).
We ask, with prayer and supplication,
that the Creator of the universe
may guard intact to the end
the number of his elect throughout the whole world,
through his beloved Son Jesus Christ,
through whom he called us from darkness to light,
from ignorance to the full knowledge of the glory of his name.
Grant to us, Lord,
that we may set our hope on your name
which is the primal source of all creation,
and open the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know you,
who alone dwells in the highest heavens,
holy in the holy,
who lays low the insolence of the proud,
who sets the lowly on high,
and brings the lofty low,
who makes rich and makes poor,
who kills and makes alive,
who alone is the Benefactor of spirits
and the God of all flesh,
who looks into the abyss,
who scans the works of man,
the provider of those who are in peril,
the Savior of those who are in despair,
the Creator and Overseer of every spirit,
who multiplies the nations on earth,
and has chosen out from all men those that love you
through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son,
through whom you instructed us, sanctified us, and honored us.
We beseech you, Lord and Master,
to be our help and provider.
Save those among us who are in trouble,
have mercy on the lowly,
lift up the fallen,
show yourself to the needy,
heal the ungodly,
convert the wanderers of your people,
feed the hungry,
release our prisoners,
raise up the weak,
comfort the fainthearted.
Let all the Gentiles know that you are the God alone,
and Jesus Christ is your Son,
and we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
Through your work
you show yourself in the everlasting fabric of the world.
You, Lord, created the earth.
You are faithful throughout all generations,
righteous in your judgments,
marvelous in strength and excellence,
you are wise in creating and prudent
in establishing that which you have made,
you are good in the things which are seen
and faithful with those who trust in you,
merciful and compassionate.
Forgive us our iniquities and our unrighteousness
and our transgressions and shortcomings.
Do not count every sin of your servants and your handmaids,
but cleanse us with your truth,
and guide our steps
to walk in holiness and righteousness and singleness of heart
and to do such things that are good and well pleasing in your sight
and in the sight of our rulers.
Yes, Lord, make your face to shine on us in peace for our good,
that we may be sheltered by your mighty hand
and delivered from every sin by your uplifted arm.
And deliver us from those who hate us wrongfully.
Give concord and peace to us and to all who dwell on the earth,
as you gave to our fathers
when they called on you in faith and truth with holiness,
that we may be saved,
while we render obedience to your almighty and most excellent name,
and to our rulers and governors on the earth.
You, Lord and Master,
have given them the power of sovereignty
through your excellent and unspeakable might,
that as we know the glory and honor
which you have given them
we may submit ourselves to them,
resisting your will in nothing.
Grant to them therefore, O Lord,
health peace, concord, stability,
that they may administer the government which you have given them without failure.
For you, O heavenly Master, King of the ages,
give to the sons of men glory and honor
and power over all things that are on the earth.
Lord, direct their counsel by what is good and pleasing in your sight,
that administering the power which you have given them
in peace and gentleness with godliness,
they may obtain your favor.
O Lord, you alone are able to do these things
and things far better than these for us.
We praise you through the High priest and Guardian of our souls,
Jesus Christ,
through whom be the glory and the majesty
to you both now and for all generations
and for ever and ever. Amen.
Source: Clement of Rome, First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
Source of this version: Freely modified from The Apostolic Fathers, http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lightfoot/fathers.ii.i.html
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For Joy and Gladness
Blessed are you, O Lord,
for you have nourished me from my youth
and you give food to all flesh.
Fill our hearts with joy and gladness
that we always have sufficiency in all things,
and may abound to every good work
in Christ Jesus our Lord;
through him be glory to you,
honor, might, majesty, and dominion,
forever and ever. Amen.
Source: The Clementine Liturgy
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
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A Pure Heart
O God Almighty,
the Father of your Christ, your only Son,
give me a body undefiled,
a heart pure,
a watchful mind,
an unerring knowledge,
the influence of the Holy Spirit
for the obtaining and assured enjoying of the truth;
through your Christ,
by whom glory be to you in the Holy Spirit,
forever. Amen.
Source: The Clementine Liturgy
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
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Prayer Before Partaking of the Holy Sacrament
O God, you are great,
great in name and counsel,
powerful in your works,
God and Father of your holy Son,
Jesus, our Savior.
Look on us,
the flock you have chosen through him to the glory of your name.
Sanctify us in body and soul
and purify us from all filthiness of flesh and spirit
that we may partake of the mystic blessings you now give,
and judge none of us unworthy of them,
but be our Supporter, our Helper, and Defender;
through your Christ, with him glory, honor, laud, praise, thanksgiving,
be to you and to the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Source: The Clementine Liturgy
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
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For All Kings and Rulers
O Lord,
grant to all kings and rulers
health, peace, concord, and stability,
that they may administer the government
you have given them without failure.
For you, O heavenly Master, King of the Ages,
give the sons of men glory and honor
and authority over all things that are on the earth.
Lord, direct their counsel
according to what is good and pleasing in your sight,
that administering the authority you have given them,
in peace and gentleness, with godliness,
they may continue to please you.
You alone are able to do these things,
and things far greater than these for us.
We praise you, through the High Priest and Guardian of our souls,
Jesus Christ;
through him be glory and majesty to you,
both now and for all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Source: Clement of Rome, first century.
From a longer prayer in Clement’s epistle to the Corinthians.
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
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A Clementine Blessing
May God,
who sees all things,
and who is the Ruler of all spirits
and the Lord of all the living—
who chose our Lord Jesus Christ,
and through him chose us to be a people for his own possession—
grant to every soul that calls on his glorious and holy name,
faith, peace, patience, long-suffering,
self-control, purity, and sobriety,
to the glory of his name,
through our High Priest and Protector,
+ Jesus Christ, to whom be glory,
and majesty, and power, and honor,
both now and forever.
Amen.
Source: Clement of Rome (c. 96)
From a longer prayer in Clement’s epistle to the Corinthians.
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, ed. J. Manning Potts, The Upper Room, Nashville, Tennessee, © 1953 (Public domain in the U.S.)
“chose us to be a people for his own possession” is a reference to 1 Peter 2:9
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A Prayer for Peace
O God, you are the bottomless well of peace,
the heavenly sea of love,
the fountain of blessings,
and the giver of affection,
and you send peace to those who receive it.
Open to us this day the sea of your love,
and water us with the flowing streams of your grace.
Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.
Enkindle the fire of your love in us;
plant holy reverence for you in us;
strengthen our weakness by your power;
bind us closely to you and to each other
in one firm bond of unity;
for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Source: Syrian Clementine Liturgy, (attributed to Clement of Rome, c. 96)
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, ed. J. Manning Potts, The Upper Room, Nashville, Tennessee, © 1953 (Public domain in the U.S.)
Also found here: Ancient Collects, and Other Prayers, ed. William Bright, 1902, p. 80 #2
“plant holy reverence for you in us” in the original is “plant your fear in us”
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May Your Grace Move Our Love
O sweet Savior Christ,
in your undeserved love for us
you were prepared to suffer the painful death of the cross:
let me not be cold or even lukewarm in my love for you.
Lord help me to face the truth about myself.
Help me to hear my words as others hear them,
to see my face as others see me;
Let me be honest enough to recognize my impatience and conceit;
Let me recognize my anger and selfishness;
Give me sufficient humility to accept my own weakness for what they are.
Give me the grace – at least in your presence – to say. ‘I was wrong – forgive me.’
God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
increase in us faith and truth and gentleness
and grant us part and lot among the saints.
Source: Polycarp
Source of this version: https://anglicanprayer.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/a-prayer-attributed-to-st-polycarp-increase-in-us-faith-truth-and-gentleness/
Also found here: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/polycarp-lightfoot.html
This prayer has some overlap with “May Christ Build You Up.”
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May Christ Build You Up
May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and Jesus Christ himself, who is the Son of God,
and our everlasting High Priest,
build you up in faith and truth,
and in all meekness, gentleness, patience,
long-suffering, forbearance, and purity;
and may he bestow on you a place and portion among his saints,
and on us with you, and on all that are under heaven,
who shall believe in our Lord Jesus Christ,
and in his Father, who raised him from the dead.
Pray for all the saints.
Pray also for kings, and authorities, and princes,
and for those that persecute and hate you,
and for the enemies of the cross,
that your fruit may be evident to all,
and that you may be perfect in him.
Source: Polycarp
Source of this version: Freely adapted from http://www.catholicfaithandreason.org/st-polycarp-of-smyrna-69-155-ad.html
Also found here: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/polycarp-lightfoot.html
“Meekness, gentleness, patience” is a reference to Galatians 5:22-23
“Father, who raised him” is a reference to Galatians 1:1
“Pray for kings…” is a reference to 1 Timothy 2:1-4
This prayer has some overlap with “May Your Grace Move Our Love”
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Remember Your Church
Remember, Lord, your Church,
deliver it from all evil
and make it perfect in your love,
and gather it from the four winds,
sanctified for the kingdom
which you have prepared for it;
for yours is the power and the glory for ever.
Source: The Didache
Source of this version: Freely adapted from http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm
Also found here: https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/didache/
“Deliver…from evil” and “yours is the power and the glory…” are references to Lord’s Prayer.
“From the four winds…” is a reference to Matthew 24:31
“The kingdom which you have prepared” is a reference to Matthew 25:34
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Make Us Grounded in Your Truth
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
grant, we pray, that we might be grounded
and settled in your truth
by the coming of your Holy Spirit in our hearts.
What we do not know, reveal to us;
what is lacking within us, make complete;
what we do know, confirm in us;
and keep us blameless in your service,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Source: Clement of Rome (c. 90)
Source of this version: http://christianicon.tumblr.com/post/37974365991/almighty-god-father-of-our-lord-jesus-christ
Also found here: The One Year Book of Personal Prayer, © 1991 Tyndale House Publishers (June 10)
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A Prayer for Unity
O Sovereign and Almighty Lord,
look down from heaven on your Church,
on all your people,
and on all your flock.
Save us all,
your unworthy servants,
the sheep of your fold.
Give us your peace,
your help,
and your love,
and send to us the gift of your Holy Spirit,
that with a pure heart and a good conscience
we may salute one another with an holy kiss,
without hypocrisy,
and with no hostile purpose,
but guileless and pure in one spirit,
in the bond of peace and love,
one body and one spirit,
in one faith,
even as we have been called in one hope of our calling,
that we may all meet in the divine and boundless love,
in Christ Jesus our Lord,
with whom you are blessed.
Source: The Divine Liturgy of St. Mark
Source of this version: Modified from http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0718.htm
Also quoted in The One Year Book of Personal Prayer, © 1991 Tyndale House Publishers (March 6)
“Salute one another with a holy kiss” is a reference to Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:26
Modified version:
O Sovereign and Almighty Lord, look down from heaven on your Church, on all your people, and on all your flock. Save us all,your unworthy servants, the sheep of your fold. Give us your peace, your help, and your love, and send to us the gift of your Holy Spirit, that with a pure heart and a good conscience we may gather around your Word and sing your praises, without hypocrisy, and with no hostile purpose, but guileless and pure in one spirit, in the bond of peace and love, one body and one spirit, in one faith, even as we have been called in one hope of our calling, that we may all meet in the divine and boundless love, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed.
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A Prayer for Defense and Deliverance
We ask you, Master,
be our helper and defender.
Rescue those of our number in distress;
raise up the fallen;
assist the needy;
heal the sick;
turn back those of your people who stray;
feed the hungry;
release our captives;
revive the weak;
encourage those who lose heart.
Let all the nations realize that you are the only God,
that Jesus Christ is your Son,
and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.
Source: Clement of Rome (c. 96)
From a longer prayer in Clement’s epistle to the Corinthians.
Source of this version: https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/prayers-of-earliest-christians/
Also found here:
https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/trevinwax/2012/08/05/a-prayer-of-clement/
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