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 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
Cramner, 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.
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.
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.
Scripture is the foundation of our worship. Two-thirds of
the Book of Common Prayer comes directly
from the Old and New Testaments.
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.
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.
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.
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Dear Lord, you govern and make holy all your people: receive
our prayers for all those who seek a closer relationship
with you, that alone and together we may experience your
love and guidance in all that we do in your name. Amen
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