Introduction: The Book of Common Prayer
May the Lord be with you.
The Book of Common Prayer is our guide to worship and
devotion used in our daily relationship with God. The Book
of Common Prayer can be complicated even for life-long
Episcopalians and can seem even more bewildering for
visitors and new comers. Although this is brief, we hope to
answer some of the questions you may have and make worship
in the Episcopal tradition easier for you.
Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was
originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas
Cranmer, in 1549. There are more than 70 million Anglicans
(Episcopalians) in 163 countries throughout the world, using
the Book of Common Prayer in their own language, reflecting
our diversity and ethnic backgrounds.
What is the Book of Common
Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer
is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship
occasions for times when the community gathers and for
individual use as well. It allows everyone to participate,
reminding us that each person is an important part of the
worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or
a solemn occasion. It is a guide book for daily Christian
living.
Why call it "Common"
prayer?
Common does not mean
ordinary but "available" to the common person. These are the
prayers we say together or "in common" when we worship as a
community.
Does it relate to the
Bible?
Scripture is the foundation
of our worship. Two-thirds of the Book of Common Prayer
comes directly from the Old and New Testaments.
What services are included?
The primary service is the
presentation of our Lord's last supper with his disciples, a
service we call the Holy Eucharist. However, the first
experience many visitors have with the Book of Common Prayer
is at weddings, baptisms or at funerals in the Episcopal
Church.
Can it be used in personal
devotions?
Yes, in private daily
prayers or with family, prayers in the morning and evening,
special prayers of praise or thanksgiving, requests for
others and for special occasions. All 150 Psalms, or poems
from the Old Testament, are contained in the Book of Common
Prayer and can be read at any time. A calendar for reading
through the entire Bible every two years, as well as an
outline of the Episcopal faith and Church history is also
included.
Can I make up my own
prayers?
The Book of Common Prayer
is meant to compliment daily individual prayers, not to
replace them. Every service in the book includes time for
personal prayer requests, either silent or aloud. The Book
of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy and
inspiration, a unique treasure in Christian worship for more
than 400 years. Join us this Sunday and experience for
yourself the love and the presence of God in an Episcopal
Church.
* * *
Dear Lord, you promise to give rest to all who are weary,
you promise to feed all who are hungry, you promise to
welcome all who seek you: be present, O Christ, with us as
we week a deeper relationship with you and guide us in our
journey that we may experience your love in all that we do
in your name. Amen
May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
