The Art of Prayer: Theology and Spirituality of the Early Church

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

Nil

Academic Staff

Rev. Dr. Anthony St. Shenouda; BE, University of New South Wales, MA (Coptic Studies) MQ, PhD (Coptic Studies) MQ.

Curriculum Objectives

This unit aims to introduce students to prayer in the Orthodox church’s theology and practice. In this unit we will explore the topic of prayer by studying different sources such as the Bible, Patristic texts, monastic texts as well as liturgical texts and how the theology of the church affects the church practice of prayer at the corporate as well as the individual level.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Understand the theological background of the church practice of prayer
2. Identify the various forms of prayers that have been in practice from the Old Testament until present.
3. Critically reflect and analyse the primary sources in light of its historical context
4. Integrate secondary sources into the critical study of prayer and its practice
5. Apply different forms of prayer in personal and parish life

Assessment Profile

Weekly tutorial questions based on the readings
Oral Presentation
Attendance and participation during online tutorials
Major Essay

Unit Weekly Schedule

1. Introduction
2. Prayer in the Old Testament
3. Prayer in the New Testament
4. Praying with the Church Fathers
5. Praying with the Desert Fathers
6. Orthodox Prayer and Mysticism
7. The Arrow Prayer 1 (Historical Background)
8. The Arrow Prayer 2 (Prayer in Practice)
9. Praying the Bible
10. Apologetic Questions about Prayer
11. Liturgical Prayer
12. Praying with Your Body