In this second season, we’re going to focusing on the topic of prayer. Specifically, I want to explore how prayer – with the Judaic and Christian traditions – has been essential to the formation of community identity. I am convinced that prayer - even more than doctrine - is what holds communities together. It shapes their understanding of God. It tells them how to relate to one another. It defines their sense of purpose and calling. It makes sense of their past, and sets the direction for their future. Prayer is what carries communities through times of crisis and change.
Every community that has ever worshipped the God of the Bible has had its signature prayers. Whether it be the Psalms of ancient Israel, the prayer texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Lord’s Prayer, the rabbinic prayers or early Christian liturgy – it easy to see that a community’s self-understanding - the way they define who they are – is expressed through their prayers.
