Prayers of the Early Church
Sacred prayers to anchor your daily rhythm
When you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret.
Matthew 6:6
Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
The Faith of the Councils — 325 & 381 AD
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
The Nicene Creed
The Faith of the Councils — 325 & 381 AD
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
The Faith of the Early Church
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
The Apostles' Creed
The Faith of the Early Church
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
The Deer's Cry — Time Period Unknown
I rise today through the strength of heaven —
Light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock.
Kingdom Prayer
St. Patrick's Breastplate
The Deer's Cry — Time Period Unknown
I rise today through the strength of heaven —
Light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
Origen, c. 185–254
Jesus, my feet are dirty. Come even as a slave to me, pour water into your bowl, come and wash my feet.
In asking such a thing I know I am overbold, but I dread what was threatened when you said to me, “If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.”
Wash my feet then, because I long for your companionship.
Kingdom Prayer
Wash My Feet
Origen, c. 185–254
Jesus, my feet are dirty. Come even as a slave to me, pour water into your bowl, come and wash my feet.
In asking such a thing I know I am overbold, but I dread what was threatened when you said to me, “If I do not wash your feet I have no fellowship with you.”
Wash my feet then, because I long for your companionship.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
To God the Father — c. 300–391
O Eternal God and King of all creation, who hast granted me to arrive at this hour, forgive me the sins that I have committed today in thought, word and deed, and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from all defilement of flesh and spirit.
And grant me, O Lord, to pass the sleep of this night in peace, that when I rise from my bed I may please Thy most holy Name all the days of my life and conquer my flesh and the fleshless foes that war with me.
And deliver me, O Lord, from vain and frivolous thoughts, and from evil desires which defile me.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
To God the Father — c. 300–391
O Eternal God and King of all creation, who hast granted me to arrive at this hour, forgive me the sins that I have committed today in thought, word and deed, and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from all defilement of flesh and spirit.
And grant me, O Lord, to pass the sleep of this night in peace, that when I rise from my bed I may please Thy most holy Name all the days of my life and conquer my flesh and the fleshless foes that war with me.
And deliver me, O Lord, from vain and frivolous thoughts, and from evil desires which defile me.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
To Our Lord Jesus Christ
O All-Ruler, Word of the Father, Jesus Christ, Thou Who art perfect, never in Thy great mercy leave me, but ever abide in me, Thy servant.
O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy sheep, deliver me not to the revolt of the serpent and leave me not to the will of satan, for the seed of corruption is in me.
Lord, adorable God, Holy King, Jesus Christ, guard me asleep by the unwaning light, Thy Holy Spirit, by Whom Thou didst sanctify Thy disciples.
O Lord, grant me, Thy unworthy servant, Thy salvation on my bed. Enlighten my mind with the light of understanding of Thy Holy Gospel. Enlighten my soul with the love of Thy Cross. Enlighten my heart with the purity of Thy Word. Enlighten my body with Thy passionless Passion.
Keep my thoughts in Thy humility. And rouse me in good time to glorify Thee, for Thou art supremely glorified, with Thy eternal Father, and Thy most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer of St. Antioch
To Our Lord Jesus Christ
O All-Ruler, Word of the Father, Jesus Christ, Thou Who art perfect, never in Thy great mercy leave me, but ever abide in me, Thy servant.
O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy sheep, deliver me not to the revolt of the serpent and leave me not to the will of satan, for the seed of corruption is in me.
Lord, adorable God, Holy King, Jesus Christ, guard me asleep by the unwaning light, Thy Holy Spirit, by Whom Thou didst sanctify Thy disciples.
O Lord, grant me, Thy unworthy servant, Thy salvation on my bed. Enlighten my mind with the light of understanding of Thy Holy Gospel. Enlighten my soul with the love of Thy Cross. Enlighten my heart with the purity of Thy Word. Enlighten my body with Thy passionless Passion.
Keep my thoughts in Thy humility. And rouse me in good time to glorify Thee, for Thou art supremely glorified, with Thy eternal Father, and Thy most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
A Daily Rhythm
Father, let your kingdom break into this day.
Where there is darkness, shine your light. Where there is hardness, soften our hearts. Where there is pride, plant the seed of humility.
May your will be done in my home, my work, my words — today. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer for the Kingdom to Come
A Daily Rhythm
Father, let your kingdom break into this day.
Where there is darkness, shine your light. Where there is hardness, soften our hearts. Where there is pride, plant the seed of humility.
May your will be done in my home, my work, my words — today. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
Prayer of the Heart
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
A breath prayer to repeat through the hours, returning the heart to Christ.
Kingdom Prayer
The Jesus Prayer
Prayer of the Heart
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
A breath prayer to repeat through the hours, returning the heart to Christ.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
1 Corinthians 16:22
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Breathe in: Ma-ra. Breathe out: na-tha. A rhythm for the waiting heart.
Kingdom Prayer
Breath Prayer — Maranatha
1 Corinthians 16:22
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.
Breathe in: Ma-ra. Breathe out: na-tha. A rhythm for the waiting heart.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Turn me from what I have loved more than you, and turn me toward your kingdom.
For the kingdom is at hand. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer of Repentance
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Turn me from what I have loved more than you, and turn me toward your kingdom.
For the kingdom is at hand. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
A Reflection for the Day
O God, you are holy and your works are wonderful.
Let awe rest upon my soul today. Open my eyes to the grace I have received, and let my life return thanksgiving to you.
For by grace I have been saved, through faith — not of works, so that no one may boast. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer of Awe & Gratitude
A Reflection for the Day
O God, you are holy and your works are wonderful.
Let awe rest upon my soul today. Open my eyes to the grace I have received, and let my life return thanksgiving to you.
For by grace I have been saved, through faith — not of works, so that no one may boast. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
Luke 22:42
Father, not my will, but yours, be done.
Where you lead, I will follow. Where you call, I will go. Let this day be yours, from sunrise to sunset.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer of Submission
Luke 22:42
Father, not my will, but yours, be done.
Where you lead, I will follow. Where you call, I will go. Let this day be yours, from sunrise to sunset.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
Instrument of Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
For it is in giving that we receive, and in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer of St. Francis
Instrument of Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
For it is in giving that we receive, and in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
Acts 2:42
Bless this meal, O Lord, and the fellowship around it.
As bread is broken, break open our hearts to one another. As the cup is shared, share your love among us. Let this table be a foretaste of your kingdom. Amen.
Kingdom Prayer
Prayer for the Breaking of Bread
Acts 2:42
Bless this meal, O Lord, and the fellowship around it.
As bread is broken, break open our hearts to one another. As the cup is shared, share your love among us. Let this table be a foretaste of your kingdom. Amen.
Early Church Journal
Acts 2:42 · www.earlychurchjournal.com
A contemplative pause
Selah — to pause, reflect, and meditate. Breathe the Maranatha prayer and let the light ripple like still water.
Pause and reflect
Breathe the Maranatha prayer — Ma-ra, na-tha.
“When you pray, go into your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”— Matthew 6:6
How can we pray for you?
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