SOME METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

When we begin to examine those passages in the Pauline epistles which refer to intercessory prayer, we confront some difficult problems. How may we recognize and select the prayer material? The more we study it, the more elusive it seems to become. So we are compelled from the start to inquire what identifying criteria of form, content, and function may be used to isolate the passages. Furthermore, can we really hope to measure their true significance? For they must be interpreted in the light of the ancient letter-writing style which many of them share, and the liturgical conventions which they seem to borrow. Yet against such formal restrictions of Paul's style must be weighed the dynamic elements of his positive spontaneity and sincerity. How far did he give to each passage a living function in relation to the main purposes of the letter and the particular epistolary situation for which he was writing? In other words, what is the real weight of these passages as evidence for Paul's use of intercessory prayer? It is to such questions that the following chapters will be addressed.

At the outset we must consider an obvious difficulty in identifying and interpreting the intercessory passages, namely that we are dealing not with liturgical texts but with letters. The canons of ancient letter style prohibit the inclusion of any prayer directly addressed to God.