Required reading
Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol 5) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Treatise IV.
My summary
This week we read Cyprian's discussion of the Lord's Prayer.
After making some positive comments about the prayer itself, he then gives his expository thoughts on each line of it.
Cyprian closes the treatise with some remarks on prayer in general.
What grabbed me
I liked Cyprian's emphasis on the link between our behaviour and prayer: 'Moreover, those who pray should not come to God with fruitless or naked prayers. Petition is ineffectual when it is a barren entreaty that beseeches God. For as every tree that bringeth not forth fruit is cut down and cast into the fire; assuredly also, words that do not bear fruit cannot deserve anything of God, because they are fruitful in no result. And thus Holy Scripture instructs us, saying, "Prayer is good with fasting and almsgiving." For He who will give us in the day of judgment a reward for our labours and alms, is even in this life a merciful hearer of one who comes to Him in prayer associated with good works. Thus, for instance, Cornelius the centurion, when he prayed, had a claim to be heard. For he was in the habit of doing many alms-deeds towards the people, and of ever praying to God. To this man, when he prayed about the ninth hour, appeared an angel bearing testimony to his labours, and saying, "Cornelius, thy prayers and thine alms are gone up in remembrance before God."'
Our prayers may be hindered by our sinful behaviour. And they may be promoted by a holy life.
Next week's reading
Read Treatise V and VI.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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