As I reflected on today’s prayer, I had a flashback of sitting in a seminary class studying Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. As my professor was explaining the conflict in the Corinthian church, he described Corinthian believers as “over-realized eschatological pneumatical enthusiasts.” I had no idea what he was talking about, but I highlighted the phrase in my notes since the words sounded so good together, and something I might employ them to dazzle people with my growing academic prowess. It’s a fancy way of saying the Corinthian believers had become sanctimonious and schismatic in their dealings with each other. Paul sent two letters to the Corinthian church to address the conflict. While he elaborates on the multiple problems in his letters, one illustration will suffice. Paul calls out the church’s laxity for tolerating a leader sleeping with his father’s wife! (1 Cor. 5.1).
A half-generation later, strife in the Christian church persists, as attested in the first epistle of Clement, likely written during the time John wrote Revelation (ca. 95-97). While the letter doesn’t identify Clement by name, most scholars agree that Clement, the leader of the church in Rome at the time, composed the letter. He condemns the church for dismissing some leaders from their oversight roles. Since it has nothing to do with moral misconduct, Clement directs them to reinstate the deposed leaders and calls out envy as their real motive. Clement acknowledges at the letter’s outset the “sudden and repeated misfortunes and hindrances that have befallen us.” While he doesn’t elaborate, we assume it to be a veiled reference to Christian persecution under the tyrannical reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Clement concludes his letter with a passionate, wide-ranging prayer that includes gracious intercession for civil authorities who are instigating the harsh persecution. How’s that for loving your enemies? As you incorporate this prayer into your day, keep in mind it’s likely the oldest prayer outside the Bible. A portion of the prayer from 1 Clement 60.1-4 follows here:
Clement of Rome
…For you, through your works, have revealed the everlasting structure of the world. You, Lord, created the earth. You are faithful throughout all generations, righteous in your judgments, marvelous in strength and majesty, wise in creating and prudent in establishing what exists, good in all that is observed and faithful to those who trust in you, merciful and compassionate, forgive us our sins and injustices, our transgressions and shortcomings. Do not regard every sin of your servants and slaves, but cleanse us with your truth, and direct our steps to walk in holiness, righteousness, and purity of heart, and to do what is good and pleasing in your sight and the sight of your rulers.
Yes, Lord, let your face shine upon us in peace for our good so that we may be sheltered by your mighty hand and delivered from every sin by your uplifted arm; deliver us from those who hate us unjustly. Give harmony and peace to us and to all who dwell on the earth, just as you did to our ancestors, when they reverently called upon you in faith and truth, that we may be saved, while we render obedience to your almighty and most excellent name, and to our rulers and governors on earth.
First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, translated by J. B. Lightfoot, 1898.
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.