These are the only three existing ante-Nicene treatises on the Lord's Prayer. Candidates for baptism in the ancient Church were trained in prayer, a practice that gave rise to a tradition of commentary on the Lord's Prayer. These classic texts became the starting points for many other commentaries. Of the three, however, only the discourse of Cyprian is an address to catechumens. Tertullian's treatise contains additional material on the conduct of worship and on prayer in the assembly, and Origen's commentary is a vast work on the whole subject of prayer, as much suited to advanced learners in the school of Christ as to those preparing for baptism. All these texts remain spiritually vital, but since they are addressed to a different world, the translator has provided brief notes on points of difficulty and accessible yet scholarly introductions to make these rich works available to a fresh audience.
About the Popular Patristics Series The Popular Patristics series published by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press provides readable and accurate translations of a broad range of early Christian literature to a wide audience--from students of Christian history to lay Christians reading for spiritual benefit.
Recognized Patristic scholars provide short but comprehensive and clear introductory essays according to their specializations for each volume.
Texts include classics of Christian literature, thematic volumes, homily collections, letters, spiritual guidance, and poetical works from a wide variety geographical contexts and historical backgrounds. The purpose of the series is to mine the riches of the early church and to make these invaluable writings available to all.
