Ancient Christian Wisdom on Prayer as Bodily Remembering

In what follows, I will explore prayer as bodily remembering in the writings of the Cappadocians—Gregory of Nyssa (c. AD 335–394), his older brother, Basil of Caesarea (c. AD 330–379), their sister, Macrina the Younger (c. AD 327–379) and their friend, Gregory of Nazianzus (c. AD 323–389). Each theologian is recognized as a Teacher of the Faith in the Church of England’s liturgical calendar, which designates January 2 for Basil and Gregory of Nazianzus, and July 19 for Gregory of Nyssa and Macrina. While these theologians are known best for their teaching on contemplative prayer, across their writings they also include bodily practices of prayer, grounded in their theological anthropology, which can enrich and enhance how Christians pray the Daily Office and participate in the Eucharist today.