In Review | Origen | On Prayer

ORIGEN: On Prayer 

Translation by William A. Curtis

 Reviewed by Zachary S. Robinson

"The physical voice we use in prayer need not be great nor startling; even should we not lift up any great cry or shout, God will yet hear us."~ Origen

On Prayer by Origen provides one of the earliest theological texts on Christian prayer and devotional practice.  The life of Origen began between 184 and 185 AD in Alexandria and ended in Tyre around 253 AD. Origen was one of Christianity's earliest influential theologians and  contributed a plethora of exegetical works to the Christian theological cannon. 

The contents of On Prayer are primarily a reflection of Origen's thoughts on prayer followed by an exegetical examination of the Lords Prayer. Origen presents a substantive examination of prayer in relation to the human understanding of the infinite and profound nature of Gods being. Origen makes the assertion that God alone provides the ability to discern His transcendence and through Gods grace man is given the gift of prayer.  Origen then uses this as a foundation to present  a formative reflection of prayer while providing an apologetic refutation to potential objections on the efficacy of prayer. 

Origen recognizes prayer as a powerful and formative method of devotional practice and presents his argument with vigor and a deep knowledge of early Christian and Judaic scripture. Through the context of  exegesis we are given an opportunity to see back in time to the very beginnings of Christian theological doctrine.  On Prayer not only provides historical reference  to the development of Christian theology but provides an intimate portrait of the authors personal devotional experience.  On Prayer offers  fascinating insight into the genesis of Christian apologetics, theology and prayer practice. 

On Prayer is an excellent text for anyone interested in exploring the origin and development of Christian prayer.  In addition to the historical and theological insight provided, On Prayer, deepens the personal understanding of prayer in faith practice.  The works of Origen, such as On Prayer, are widely available and can be found relatively easy where media can be purchased.

Reference

Origen, On Prayer, trans. William A. Curtis. (Charles River Editors, 2013.)

Crozel, H. , "Origen and Origenism", in New Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 10. 2nd ed. (Detroit: Gale, 2003.), p653-661.

Grant, Robert M.,  "Origen (c. 185–253)", in Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Ed. Donald M. Borchert. Vol. 7. 2nd ed. (Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2006.), p39-41.

Eric Enstrom, "Grace",photograph, 1918, http://www.gracebyenstrom.com/index.html. 

Jean-François Millet, artist; Charles-Albert Waltner, engraver, "Angelus", etching on simili-vellum, 1881, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/371556