Mysteries of the Lord's Prayer: Wisdom from the Early Church

by John Gavin

The Lord's Prayer contains mysteries generally overlooked by most Christians. For the Fathers of the Church, such mysteries or "difficulties"―many of which continue to puzzle modern scholars―marked divinely inspired points for prayer and reflection. Saints Cyprian of Carthage, Augustine of Hippo, Peter Chrysologus, Maximus the Confessor and others grappled with the hidden meanings behind these questions and the fruits of their efforts can inspire contemporary readers.

In this volume John Gavin, SJ explores eight mysteries of the Lord's prayer in light of the early Church's How can human beings call God "Father"? Where is God the Father? How can God grow in holiness? Was there ever a time when God did not rule? Are there limitations to God's will? Why should we seek bread? Can we make a deal with God? Does God tempt us? Without ignoring the insights of contemporary exegesis, this volume demonstrates that the responses of the Fathers to these questions have continuing relevance. Not only did they understand the issues surrounding linguistic, textual, and theological difficulties, but they also grasped the nuances of Christ's words as illuminated by the scriptures as a whole. They provide an interpretation that challenges the mind and transforms the heart.

Mysteries of the Lord's Prayer offers the general reader, as well as scholars, a chance to rediscover a prayer that unites Christians throughout the world. It also includes appendices to aid those who wish to explore the Fathers' writings on their own for a deeper encounter with the wisdom of the early Church.

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2021

Reviews

[Drake Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought provoking book. It considers the aphorisms of the Lord's Prayer in relation to the context in the Gospels and in relation to the Church Fathers.

The strong point of this book is the reference to church fathers. He employs Cyprian of Carthage, Tertullian, Maximus the Confessor, John Chrysostom, Gregory of Nyssa, Augustine, and others. His comments are not extensive, but these provide an important connection with the early church.

I was disappointed with some of the comments on the Greek texts, particularly the conclusions on the aorist tense. It would have been better to omit these comments.

This is an ideal book to use as a Bible study.

[Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful little theological survey of ancient interpretation of the Lord's Prayer.

[Gavin Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great summary of the Father’a ways around the various theological difficulties presented in the Lord’s Prayer. It is helpfully laid out with a summary at the end of each chapter. I skimmed some sections that piled up quotes from the Fathers.