Our joy in The Book of Common Prayer stems from a tradition of using our language at its best. Through the eloquence of many generations of believers who felt bound to each other in the intimacy of prayer and the beauty of language, we link ourselves backward through time to the ancient tribes of Israel and the spiritual writings so profound that we, and our parents and our parents before them, have learned long passages of them by heart. We remind ourselves of this global heritage every time we pray or perform the rituals of worship and healing.
The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship services for occasions 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 guidebook for daily Christian living. "Common" does not mean ordinary. These are the prayers we say together or "in common" when we worship together. Two-thirds of The Book of Common Prayer comes directly from Old and New Scripture.
Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, in 1549. It is today available in 163 countries in local languages, reflecting our diversity and ethnic backgrounds. The Book of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy and inspiration, a unique treasure in Christian worship for hundreds of years. Join us this Sunday and experience for yourself the love and presence of God in an Episcopal church.
Book of Common Prayer
