Prayers of the Early Church by J. Manning Potts is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the prayers that were central to the early Christian community. Potts provides readers with an in-depth look at the prayers of the apostles and early believers, as well as the theological and historical context in which these prayers were developed.

The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Potts does an excellent job of connecting the prayers of the early church to modern-day Christian life, showing how these ancient texts continue to be relevant and meaningful in today's world.

One of the highlights of the book is Potts' analysis of the different types of prayers found in the early church, from prayers of thanksgiving and praise to prayers of petition and intercession. By delving into the themes and structures of these prayers, Potts offers readers a deeper understanding of the spiritual practices that have shaped the Christian faith for centuries.

Overall, Prayers of the Early Church is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the roots of Christian prayer traditions. Potts' scholarship and passion for the subject shine through in this engaging and informative book.

Book Description:
There are prayers of our Lord, the apostles, the martyrs, and the saints covering the period of the Early Church from its beginning through the fifth century. There are some prayers from each of the first five centuries. The treasure house from which to choose is almost unlimited. It is a vast and fruitful field and anyone is amply rewarded who delves into it.

The prayers have been selected primarily for their spiritual and devotional content. Many have been laid aside with regret that they could not be included in this book, but its compass in size is set and only so many can be used.

The prayers are arranged chronologically. Some other method of arrangement might have been chosen but this seemed good in order to represent each century. There are questions about the date and authorship of the prayers. They are the same questions that arise in reference to the Books of the Bible.

This book of prayers is published with the hope and prayer that it may have wide use. It has been prepared for individual and family devotions. It can be used with prayer groups in prayer meetings, for cells, and, of course, for the development of one’s own personal spiritual life. The material is perfect for use in the devotional services of young people’s groups, women’s groups, and men’s clubs. The prayers are excellent for insertion in church bulletins. Other ways will be found of making these great prayers usable.

The prayers have been collected from many old books of prayers and devotional materials. The editor is deeply indebted to all those who have ploughed the field before. They have labored and we have entered into their labors. It has been a joy to search out the material, to arrange the prayers, to put them in order, and to index them under so many subjects.