First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

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First Christian Voices

Rather, you must fast on Wednesday and Friday. Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this: 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. (Matt 6:9–13) Pray like this three times each day. Pray for Non-Christians I gnatius to the E phesians 10 a : Pray without ceasing on behalf of others. For there is in them the hope of repentance that they may find God. See, then, that they learn by your works, if by no other way. Be meek in response to their wrath, humble in opposition to their boasting. To their blasphemies return your prayers. In contrast to their error, be unwavering in the faith. And for their cruelty, reveal your gentleness. While we take care not to imitate their conduct, let us be found their friends in all true kindness. P olycarp to the P hilippians 12 c : Pray for all the saints. Pray also for kings and sovereigns and princes, and for those that persecute and hate you, and for the enemies of the cross, that your fruit may be evident to all and that you may be perfect in Him. Pray for the Global Church I gnatius to the M agnesians 14: Knowing as I do that you are full of God, I have but briefly encouraged you. Remember me in your prayers especially that I may