Using the Book of Common Prayer: A simple guide

by Paul Thomas

The Book of Common Prayer remains at the heart of the Church of England and using it is an essential skill for all clergy and readers, yet many are no longer familiar with its contents. This practical guide explains how to use the Book of Common Prayer in a way that is accessible and informative. Introducing this central tradition of Anglican worship without using technical language or assuming prior knowledge, it is intended as a beginner's guide for ordinands and readers, especially those for whom the Prayer Book tradition may be alien. Part 1 of the book offers a general introduction to the history, theology and liturgical character of the BCP. It also explores the place and meaning of 'common prayer' within the Anglican tradition. Part 2 offers general practical advice on the principal services of the BCP, how to use them, and where flexibility is permitted. Using the Book of Common Prayer will help its readers come to a renewed appreciation of the place of the Book of Common Prayer in the distinctive tradition of Anglican praise and prayer.

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2012

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could be an Episcopalian, I think. Lots of churchy stuff: smell, bells, hats, robes, chants, liturgy. But, the nice thing about the Episcopalians is that they are socially evolved as well. You can be gay, you can be a woman, you can be a human being of all shapes, sizes, predilections, and pathologies, and still be accepted. That's pretty damn cool. I like to think of it as a 'Theology of Relevance.' The Congregationalist have this same sort of vibe, too, but they are more Puritan in their worship services.

Of course, the Episcopal Church is in complete demographic collapse and will, more likely than not, be gone for all intents and purposes in my lifetime, so that's a bummer. Hard to imagine that 100 years ago, this mainline Protestant church was churning out Presidents at a bumper rate (11-ish, depending on how you count them). Nowadays? Virtually no cultural footprint or influence.

I like the Book of Common Prayer as well, and this book did a good job explaining the history and the contents of said book. It's a bit daunting to pick the thing up without some guidance. I am feeling better about it now.

I am a horrid, unrepentant church shopper. I wish I could belong to them all. But, as Captain America said at the end of Civil War, I'm not really good at belonging to things. So true.

[Adam Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise history of and also guide to using the Book of Common Prayer for church services.
The first section is a history which describes how Archbishop Thomas Cranmer wanted to consolidate all of the various books used in church services during the upheaval of the Tudor period into one comprehensive volume. The first edition was published in 1549, two years after the death of Henry VIII. It went through a further four editions, was made mandatory and also banned in turns until the fifth and final version was published in 1662 after the civil war, the protectorate and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. It is this version which is still used today over 350 years later.
The second section gives guidance on how it should be used today and also highlights the flexibility it allows.
The resonant and profound language it contains has become deeply ingrained in the language and culture of the English speaking world in both sacred and secular communities.