Ancient Patterns of Prayer

St. Paul’s Lutheran - Hamel, IL

Michael C. Legaspi has written a piece for First Things trying to correct the common misconception of individualism in prayer and a call to return to

less a “dialogue” between man and God than a time to approach the King as loyal and humble subjects. The author makes an historic case for corporate prayer at set times per day.

I know of several churches that either purport or desire to be houses of prayer according to Jesus’ call to abide by God's desire: “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isa 56:7). While this desire is worthwhile, the implementation generally boils down to having a group of people together praying, each as he or she desires, whereas the ancient view is more corporately engaged.

Once gathered, the faithful recite set prayers in a prescribed manner. The words and the position of the body (standing, prostrating, or kneeling) are important, as is the body’s geographic orientation (toward Mecca, toward Jerusalem, toward the East). The one who prays does so with mind, words, and body, in harmony with fellow adherents. At times set aside for prayer, the faithful are examples of fully integrated persons, positioned body and soul on a vertical axis that joins time and space and unites individual, community, cosmos, and creator.

For those concerned about the place of individual petitions, these are considered appropriate, but within the framework of first understanding who we are as a believing community coming together before our Sovereign.

The author references Muslim practice to enforce the point of regularity in Abrahamic faiths. While this is disappointing and unneeded, it does not deter from his thesis. I commend the article to you and leave you with his parting words:

Of course, prayer has been difficult in all eras. Every generation wrestles with pride, sloth, anger, and malice. Still, we have a good deal to learn and relearn from the tradition. In dwelling with the old prayers, we heed the words of the prophet, who told the people to “seek the ancient paths, where the good way is, walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16).