Title

The Use of Biblical Texts in Prayer and the Formation of Early Monastic Culture

Authors

Columba Stewart, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2011

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Christianity | Liturgy and Worship | Religion

Abstract

An essay is presented discussing the use of the Bible in monastic liturgical prayer in the writings of early church monks Athanasius of Alexandria and John Cassian. The author describes the dominant use of the Old Testament psalms in early monastic prayers, the use of monologistic prayer using short biblical texts as the basis for prayers, and the use of biblical odes and canticles in prayer. The texts "Letter to Marcellinus" and "Conferences" are also discussed.

Recommended Citation

Stewart, Columba. "The Use of Biblical Texts in Prayer and the Formation of Early Monastic Culture." The American Benedictine Review 62, no. 2 (June 2011): 188-201.