Topical Encyclopedia
The Prayer of Manasses is a penitential prayer attributed to King Manasseh of Judah, a figure known for his initial reign marked by idolatry and subsequent repentance. This prayer is considered part of the Apocrypha, a collection of ancient writings not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible but found in some Christian traditions, particularly within the Septuagint and certain editions of the Vulgate.
Historical ContextKing Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, reigned over Judah in the 7th century BC. His reign is documented in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Manasseh is often remembered for his significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, as he reintroduced pagan worship, erected altars to Baal, and even practiced child sacrifice (
2 Kings 21:1-9). His actions provoked the anger of the LORD, leading to his capture by the Assyrians and subsequent imprisonment in Babylon.
Repentance and RestorationThe narrative of Manasseh's repentance is found in
2 Chronicles 33:12-13, where, in his distress, he sought the LORD and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. The LORD was moved by his entreaty and brought him back to Jerusalem, where Manasseh recognized the LORD as God. This transformation is central to understanding the Prayer of Manasses, which is traditionally viewed as the expression of his contrition and plea for divine mercy.
Content and ThemesThe Prayer of Manasses is a short but profound text, consisting of 15 verses. It is characterized by its deep humility and acknowledgment of sin. The prayer opens with an invocation of the Almighty God, who is described as the God of the patriarchs, the Creator of all things, and the Righteous Judge. Manasseh confesses his sins and the sins of his people, acknowledging the justice of God's judgments.
A key theme in the prayer is the appeal to God's mercy and compassion. Manasseh implores God to forgive him, recognizing that God's mercy is greater than the multitude of his sins. The prayer reflects a profound understanding of God's nature as both just and merciful, emphasizing the hope of redemption for even the most grievous sinner.
Canonical Status and UsageThe Prayer of Manasses is not included in the Jewish Tanakh or the Protestant Old Testament. However, it holds a place in the liturgical traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church and is included in the appendix of the Latin Vulgate. In some Christian traditions, it is used in liturgical settings, particularly during times of penitence and reflection.
Theological SignificanceTheologically, the Prayer of Manasses underscores the themes of repentance, divine mercy, and forgiveness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the possibility of redemption and restoration, regardless of the depth of one's transgressions. The prayer highlights the transformative power of sincere repentance and the boundless grace of God, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of redemption through faith and humility.
ConclusionWhile not part of the canonical scriptures for many Christian denominations, the Prayer of Manasses remains a significant text for its portrayal of repentance and divine mercy. It offers a poignant example of the biblical principle that God is willing to forgive those who earnestly seek Him, reinforcing the hope and assurance found in the grace of God.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Prayer of ManassesPRAYER OF MANASSES
See MANASSES, THE PRAYER OF.
Library
For whom and with what Object Written.
... as Prof. Ryssel points out (Kautzsch I.167), into the same category as
the Prayer of Manasses and the additions to Esther. It may ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/for whom and with what.htm
Introduction.
... of Jannes and Jambres, the magicians who opposed Moses at the court of Pharaoh;
the Conversion of Manasses, a different work from the Prayer of Manasses in our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm
The Formation of the Old Testament Canon
... IV Esdras); and four additions to the Hebrew canonical books,"First Esdras, an
expansion of the book of Ezra, the Prayer of Manasses, and additions to Esther ...
/.../xiii the formation of the.htm
Whether the Order of the Sacraments, as Given Above, is Becoming?
... 18): "Thou, O Lord of the righteous, didst not impose penance on righteous men."
[*The words quoted are from the apocryphal Prayer of Manasses, which, before ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the order of the.htm
Whether this Sacrament is Necessary for Salvation?
... For it is written (2 Paral 37 [*The prayer of Manasses, among the Apocrypha]),
"Thou, Lord, God of the righteous, hast not appointed repentance to the righteous ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether this sacrament is necessary.htm
Whether the Sacrament of Penance May be Repeated?
... pardon." And so God's mercy, through Penance, grants pardon to sinners without any
end, wherefore it is written (2 Paral 37 [*Prayer of Manasses, among the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sacrament of penance.htm
Liturgical Use.
... and the Veronese and Turin Psalters; of these the first has vv.26 to 45 and 52 to
58, as two separate canticles between the Prayer of Manasses and Magnificat ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/liturgical use.htm
Introduction.
... while Karlstadt classed some of the Apocrypha, as "hagiographa extra canonem," he
called these supplements to Daniel, with the Prayer of Manasses, and others ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/introduction.htm
Articles of Religion.
... Jesus the Son of Sirach, Baruch the Prophet, The Song of the Three Children, The
Story of Susanna, Of Bel and the Dragon, The Prayer of Manasses, The First ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm
The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... 19), of a belief in which the apocryphal "Prayer of Manasses" is an evidence,
Pseudo-Baruch testifies that though his prayer was heard, he himself was lost. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
