The Book of Uncommon Prayer

by Steven L. Case

Why do you need this book? Because there are treasures in tradition. In stark contrast to the common belief that youth workers require nothing less than a light show, smoke machine, and sweaty punk-rock band to reach teenagers' souls, more and more youth have actually been moving toward depth and quiet---and away from fluff and noise. Creeds, candles, silence, and ancient spiritual practices are all gaining understanding and popularity among students who're passionately seeking otherworldly and mysterious fragrances. They're realizing that there are treasures in tradition. The Book of Uncommon Prayer is your tool for unearthing, dusting off, and tapping into these treasures---but in ways that are completely contemporary and, more importantly, completely relevant to students. It's personal. The prayers and worship services inside are written for youth ministry---for students and for youth workers! They tell the from-the-gut truth about what you and your kids face every day---and in language that won't leave anybody scratching their heads. It's practical. These tools are for just about any situation you can think of. Need a prayer for a lock-in? For family? For loving enemies? For final exams? How about a mind-blowing 'Dumpster' Christmas service? An eye-opening service for All Hallows Eve? Or the most intense service for Good Friday you've ever experienced? They're all here---along with many other innovative vehicles for bringing your students into communion with God. It's unparalleled. This book is for all denominations. It doesn't matter if you're mainline or evangelical, Protestant or Catholic; The Book of Uncommon Prayer is geared for all teenagers and youth workers in Jesus' church! There's also an entire section of devotions and prayers written specifically for you, the youth worker, to renew and strengthen you when times are tough. Plus...we've included a bonus music CD in the back---Eucharist---an at-once moody and energetic, ancient-postmodern collection of songs straight from the 'alternative worship' movement in the United Kingdom. Many services inside use songs from the Eucharist CD, and there's even an entire service that uses the CD from start to finish. Mysterious. Practical. Treasure-filled. (Yes, uncommon, too!) The Book of Uncommon Prayer is a rich source of God-revealing worship and a one-of-a-kind guide for personal renewal that youth workers, camp counselors, Sunday school teachers, adult volunteers (and even students) will love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Prayer

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the idea of this book -- to write prayers and liturgies for youth that are inspired by "traditional" (or "real") worship services. That take youth seriously and are also relevant (meaning that they're oriented toward youth, not that they're "hip" or whatever). Some of these I really appreciate and would love to use -- other stuff in here just doesn't really resonate with me.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book if your looking for some creative ideas for prayer services, and it is conveniently broken down into categories. I also like that you can remove, add, and change elements as needed. I wish there had been at least one more full communion service example. I also appreciate the devotions for youth workers in the back of the book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prayers and really cool insights from a youth minister.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book/resource. I have used it for years, and as the lives of students continues to get busier and busier and more distracted and entertained and stimulated, this book is a perfect place to stop. TO rest. To be silent. To pray. and not only to do it, but to learn how to do it. You will be surprised when you stop trying to vie for the attention of a teenager and simply place them in silence at the feet of a living God, that the wake up, and find peace, if not just a peaceful moment on which to reflect.