The Thomistic Institute Wisdom from the Old Testament on Prayer and the Spiritual Life – Fr. Stephen Ryan, O.P.
Mar 30, 2026
Fr. Stephen Ryan, O.P., Dominican priest and Scripture scholar who teaches biblical languages at the Dominican House of Studies, explores Old Testament riches for the spiritual life. He highlights Scripture as the root of Christian prayer. He examines Israel’s journey, Sabbath and liturgical time, practices like fasting and almsgiving, and offers practical tips for praying with Scripture.
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God Seeks Friendship Through Scripture
- The Old Testament primarily reveals a God who seeks friendship with humans through speech and covenant.
- Fr. Stephen Ryan traces this from Genesis through Moses and Abraham, showing Scripture as God stooping to speak humanly so friendship can form.
Jeopardy Clip Shows Bible Illiteracy Risk
- Rabbi Meyer Soloveitchik recounts Jeopardy contestants failing to identify Psalm 23, illustrating modern unfamiliarity with Scripture.
- Fr. Stephen Ryan uses the story to warn that losing biblical literacy endangers civilization's moral memory.
Abraham's Seven Encounters Model Prayer Growth
- Friendship with God develops: Abraham progresses from silent obedience to speaking with God across seven divine appearances.
- Fr. Stephen Ryan maps this gradual formation as a model for how prayer matures over a lifetime.
