The Book of Common Prayer: A Spiritual Treasure Chest―Selections Annotated & Explained

by C.K. Robertson

For centuries, Christians of different traditions and seekers from various backgrounds have found

strength for their spiritual journey in The Book of

Common Prayer (BCP). First composed in 1549

by Thomas Cranmer, Henry VIII's Archbishop

of Canterbury, the BCP, alongside Shakespeare's

works and the King James Bible, helped shape the

English language. Today over seventy-five million

Anglican Christians throughout the world use the

BCP in public worship, and countless people

Anglican and otherwise use it in their private

devotional life.

In this unique presentation of selections

organized by themes such as "Belonging in God's

Family," "Blessing in Times of Joy and Pain" and

"Learning from Our Past" with facing-page commentary,

C. K. Robertson offers fascinating insights

into the history and heritage of the BCP. He also

makes available the riches of this spiritual treasure

chest for all who are interested in deepening their

life of prayer, building stronger relationsh

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and informative introduction to the spiritual treasure chest that is the Book of Common Prayer. Great for devotional reading.

[Cathryn Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a fun fact: The words "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony…" are known to just about everyone as the beginning of a marriage ceremony. We've all seen it in the movies, right? But do you know where it comes from? The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, which was originally written almost 500 years ago by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury under King Henry VIII.

The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer truly is a spiritual treasure chest--and a literary one, as well. In this book, C.K. Robertson has chosen some of the most beautiful and well-known, as well as several rather obscure prayers, that are in the Book of Common Prayer and then annotated them, explaining their history, spiritual meaning, and their importance in worship.

As part of the exploration of the history of this book, which along with the King James Bible and Shakespeare's work, had the greatest impact on the English language, Robertson includes citations from Thomas Cranmer's original 1549 Book of Common Prayer and later editions, as well as selections from the Irish Prayer Book, the New Zealand Prayer Book, and Church of England's Book of Common Prayer.

The book, which admittedly will mostly appeal to Episcopalians, is a guided tour of the Book of Common Prayer. It covers, among other things, the Daily Office, Eucharist, baptism, confirmation, weddings, funerals, psalms, prayers and thanksgivings, and the catechism. The final chapter explains how to use the prayer book as a daily spiritual tool.

This is a fascinating accompaniment to one of the most beautiful books of prayer ever written.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this at a library book sale and picked it up because I'd been wanting to try a prayer book. I read a little each morning over the last couple if months. My 3 star rating reflects this particular edition more so than the actual prayer book. The commentary seemed to lean liberal in several instances and there were hardly any personal prayers included...it seemed like an odd collection that they chose. I'll be seeking out something a little different and donating this edition.

[Bobby-Kimberly Beason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely compilation of prayers for various themes and seasons - with wonderful description, history referenced and application.

[Ruthann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book for many years as a devotional. I marked it currently reading, as I will always keep it on my bedside to enrich my evening prayer.