Details for Theology and Practice of Prayer

This unit is an examination of the theology and practice of prayer in biblical, historical, and contemporary contexts.  

The unit Theology and Practice of Prayer is part of the subject area Christian Spirituality and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an thorough knowledge of both academic and devotional literature on prayer from a range of traditions
2. critically analyse the role of prayer in the story of Scripture and tradition of the Church;
3. evaluate the role and function of prayer in contemporary Christian practices;
4. engage in theological reflection on the meaning and practice of prayer;
5. utilise primary sources in outlining the salient features of contemplative prayer in Christianity;
6. describe in a scholarly way the key texts on prayer and their importance for the theology and practice of prayer;
explain the role of various types of prayer in Christian devotional life. 

Subject Content

1. A survey of prayer in its biblical, historical, theological, and contemporary contexts.
2. Theologies of prayer.
3. Practices of prayer.
4. The varieties of prayer.
5. The role of prayer in Christian life and ministry;
Strategies for development of a prayer ministry in a local church. 

Assessment Methods

Forum responses, book review, strategic plan, exam.

Prescribed Text

• Grenz, S. Prayer: The Cry for the Kingdom. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005.

Representative References

Babbs, L. Into God’s Presence: Listening to God through Prayer and Meditation. Grand Rapids:  Zondervan, 2005.

Barth, K. Prayer, edited by D. Saliers from the translation of S. Terrien. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

Chant, B. Praying in the Spirit. Tonbridge: Sovereign World, 2002.

Clements-Jewery, P. Intercessory Prayer: Modern Theology, Biblical Teaching And Philosophical Thought. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2005.

Fenton, J. The Theology Of Prayer. United States: Kessinger, 2008.

Fosdick, H. Prayer as Communion with God. United States: Kessinger, 2004.

Grenz, S.J. Prayer: The Cry for the Kingdom.  Grand Rapids:  Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2005.

Hawn, C.M. Gather Into One:  Praying and Singing Globally.  Grand Rapids:  Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003.

Ma, W. and R. Menies (eds.). The spirit and spirituality. London: T & T Clark International, 2004.

Packer, J.I. and Nystrom, C. Praying:  Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight.  Downers Grove:  IVP, 2009.

Trenchard, J. Personal Prayer: Living in love with God.  Hindmarsh, S.A: ATF, 2008.