On Prayer 33.1

It seems good to me, having also treated the topics of prayer, to end the treatise thus. Four topics seem to me to be outlined, which I have found scattered in the Scriptures, and each person should give body to his prayer according to them. These are the topics. At the beginning and preface of the prayer one should, as far as one can, speak glorification of God, through Christ, who is glorified with him, in the Holy Spirit, who is praised with him. After this each should place thanksgivings, both general ones, bringing into the thanksgiving the benefits given to many, and for what he has received from God in particular. After the thanksgiving it seems to me that one should become a bitter accuser of one's own sins before God and ask, first, for healing, so as to be freed from the habit that leads to sinning, and second, for forgiveness of past sins. After the confession, it seems to me that one should add, fourth, the request for great and heavenly things, both one's own and general ones, and for one's household and dearest friends. And after all these, one should end the prayer with glorification of God through Christ in the Holy Spirit.