The sources
Prayers from The Apostolic Constitutions
(fourth century)This work in eight parts was put together by an unknown hand about ad
380 in Syria. It contains instructions for church order and worship with
details about how Christians should live. The book shows that Christians
are expected to pray morning and night and on other occasions, so forms
of prayer are included for different times and situations. These instructions
include the earliest known written prayers for Christian personal use.
Prayers of Ephrem the Syrian (306–373)
Ephrem was an active teacher and solitary, later ordained deacon, in the
Syrian Orthodox Church of the fourth century. He is unique and famous
because, with other notable works, he wrote his theology in the form of
over 400 hymns and poems. The hymns are long and elaborate, using vivid
metaphors in order to teach and defend Christian truth. It is likely that they
were sung in public worship by choirs of women, which Ephrem trained for
the purpose. Portions of them are still used today in the Syriac liturgy. Many
of his verses, however, with their personal, intimate tone, are valuable for
private prayer.