Common Prayer
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 newcomers. 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
guidebook 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
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
complement 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 at
Saint Luke's Church, Jackson, Tennessee.
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