Prayer in the Ancient Stoic Tradition

This preliminary study examines the concept and practice of prayer as articulated by six prominent Stoic philosophers: Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus, Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Author McDowell situates these thinkers within the broader evolution of Stoic philosophy, highlighting their socio-religious and historical contexts. The work delineates the nature, purpose, and practices of Stoic prayer, concluding with a brief comparison to prayer as depicted in the New Testament.