Prayer in the Ancient Stoic Tradition: With a Comparison to Prayers of the New Testament

This preliminary study explores the concept and practice of prayer found in the writings of six major Stoic philosophers from the ancient world: Zeno Cleanthes Chrysippus Seneca Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. Placing these writers in their context within the evolution of Stoic philosophy and in their socio-religious and historical context McDowell then characterizes the nature purpose and practices of Stoic prayer. A brief comparison with prayer from the New Testament closes the study.