An Introduction To Daily Prayer

Ancient sources reveal that a tradition of daily prayer at stated hours developed quite early in the history of the church. The practice of assembling for these times of daily prayer was derived in part from Jewish custom and is mentioned in the New Testament. Christian daily prayer evolved into two forms: monastic prayer, practiced by members of separated communities (originally of lay people), and cathedral prayer, for which members of the local congregations would assemble with their bishop and other leaders. Daily prayer included the recitation of psalms and hymns, with congregational responses. Some elements in historic Christian liturgies seem to have originated in the practice of daily prayer. The Tradition of Daily Prayer Prayer has always belonged to all Christians, but has been perceived in some historical periods as the possession of the clergy. In the last decade, rising interest in such prayer forms as meditation and chanting has been paralleled by a growing interest in…