Book of Common Worship

by Theology and Worship Ministry Unit

This ambitious undertaking gathers in one volume all the important elements of the seven Supplemental Liturgical Resources published earlier and now revised following extensive use throughout the church. It is useful to ministers and congregations in planning and leading worship. The book provides orders of worship and liturgical texts for each Sunday and for every festival and season throughout the year, and includes the Lord's Supper, baptism, daily prayer, marriage, funeral, and pastoral liturgies. The lectionary, a collection of prayers for a variety of uses, and the psalms, are also included. This practical and valuable book will certainly be the church's principal resource for planning and leading worship for decades to come.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Prayer

1107 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1993

Reviews

[ALLEN · Rating 2 out of 5]

This 1994 BOOK OF COMMON WORSHIP was issued by the Theology and Worship Ministry Unit of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the nation's biggest Presbyterian denomination, yet was dated almost the minute it hit the pews and seminaries. While interesting, it is hardly my idea of a "must-have" for anything other than mandated use. For example, the liturgy against "Sexual Confusion" urges: "Straighten us out, Lord."

Rest assured, this hefty tome is not a hymnal but in cases like the above, it manages to be tone-deaf anyway. If it cannot be rejected, it should be avoided, or at least subjected to prayerful scrutiny. Two stars at Goodreads means "It's OK," or in my case it means "Use this opus if you must, but there's no sin in avoiding it in favor of fresher, more insightful liturgy if you have any say in the matter."

[Riley Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am impressed by this Presbyterian worship book. I loved their beautiful liturgy and language. I do not know if this is still used today.

As a faithful Roman Catholic, I had a great pleasure of reading, praying, and studying this prayer book over the past several months. I loved the beautiful prayers and liturgy and will incorporate them in my own spiritual life.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I read this all the way through, in preparation for the ordination exam in worship & sacraments. It's good stuff. There are two prayers near the back that refer to some variation of "red, yellow, black, and white" people, and I do not think that is OK. Other than that, I find the liturgy comforting, challenging, and inspiring. It makes me proud to be Presbyterian.

[Andrew Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of worship with liturgy and prayers and special services