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The Book of Common Prayer, Worship, and Me
The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer has a rich and inspiring history. Thomas Cranmer, theologian and first Archbishop of Canterbury, who served King Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Queen Mary I (and by whom he was martyred), undertook the task of writing a distinct Book of Worship for the Anglican Church. Published in 1549, the first Book of Common Prayer was written in English, not Latin, the common language of the people. Cranmer’s intention was to write a Book of Worship that would serve to teach and unite all people. In drafting it, he liberally quoted from the Bible, the “tool of our salvation,” as he put it, in the collects, prayers, and intercessions, ensuring that worship mirrored Holy Scripture. Further, Cranmer designed the flow of the service to follow the model of praise, supplication, and devotion experienced in the individual life experience. Most of all, he envisioned a worship service that would be memorable and recognizable all over the world. Since 1549, through seven revisions, we have tried to stay true to Cranmer's vision. Perhaps the 1928 version most closely represents the early 1662 printing, which is still used in England, but our 1979 version remained true–if a bit thin–to its historical roots. The Prayer Book removes the worry of “what do I do next” by providing the text and response for everyone. Gone is the “mystery worship” spoken in a different language, which isolated the worshiper. With the BCP in hand, or the full service bulletin, you are free to relax and contemplate the will of God as you participate in the service. There is a great comfort in being thoroughly and intimately involved in the humble worship of our Lord. The BCP makes possible the expression of heartfelt needs and desires before God by providing the words through which the Holy Spirit can be manifest in your life as you join in the “great cloud of witnesses.” Come Sunday, join in the dream that Cranmer had and be a part of the worship that has united the Anglican Church for 576 years. If you haven’t memorized the service, no worries! Look to your bulletin or the BCP and boldly respond with devotion and the assurance that what you are saying is what needs to be said. Proclaim the words of Scripture nestled in the responses and open yourself to the Holy Spirit, who will manifest the divine presence in you. Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou does command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen T. +Cranmer 1547 Let us bless the Lord! Thanks be to God! Fr. Bill+
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This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 The Psalmist is not alone in this declaration. We hear of God’s sovereignty over everything throughout Holy Scripture, starting with “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1:1). God created and it was good—and it still is even after the fall and the breaking of God’s holy plan. Every day is God’s day. Every day is a day GOD has made. Every day is a GOOD day. But in times of trial, sickness, debilitation, fear and the like, it just doesn’t feel like it. When our trials and struggles define our days, when we focus on those awful life-sapping events and occurrences big and small, then our days are not “good.” We are faced with a life conundrum: If God has made the day and is found in it, regardless of our maladies, how can it be anything other than good? Long ago the church rejected the proposition that the spirit and the body are two different things, that the body was one concern and the spirit, separately, another. Yet, a degree of this separation is needed to answer the conundrum. When we are in a state, whatever state that may be—sickness, trial, tribulation—our concern must transcend our condition so our spirit can soar to God. The spiritual focus on God’s sovereignty, love, presence and concern will break through our debilitation, and the day, with all that it brings, can be nothing other than good. This spiritual focus requires our body, our mind, to reach out beyond ourselves. Our mind focused on God elevates our spirit and opens the door to redemption. Embracing each day thinking of the abundance of blessings in our lives cultivates a spirit of gratitude and reverence toward God. A sense of appreciation for the blessings and opportunities that come from God has the ability to change everything, as it changes the way we see and encounter the world. Remember your January challenge for our 60th Anniversary Observance! It’s printed in the bulletin inserts all month: make a list of 60 blessings. By starting each day with a heartfelt "Thank you, God," we acknowledge the abundance and beauty that surrounds us, recognizing the gift of life and the wonders of God’s creation. Expressing gratitude towards God is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the presence of divine grace in our lives. It instills a sense of humility, wonder, and appreciation for the miracles that unfold in each and every moment. When we express gratitude for the gift of each new day, we open our hearts to the divine presence to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 If asked, most of us would identify “worship” with Sunday morning. Worship is prayer and praise, singing and confessing, hearing the Word of God and receiving the Holy Eucharist; this is how we worship God. However, biblically, worshipping God is a lot more than just gathering on Sunday; worship is a way of being and a lifestyle of acknowledgement. We are called—given the opportunity—to live our devotion to God through every day, even, every-moment worship. Worshipping God Everyday One of my favorite simple devotional books is The Practice and Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. Br. Lawrence was a French Carmelite monk who lived in the seventeenth century. In the monastery in which he lived, he worked in the kitchen washing dishes, preparing meals, and tending to the overall cleanliness of the refectory. Any of us who have done this type of work for a length of time can testify that the mundane repetition can be mind-numbing and emotionally debilitating. Not so for Br. Lawrence. In this seemingly lowliest of assignments, Br. Lawrence found a closeness with God and lived a life of constant worship. He found God present in every task, through the cleaning and scouring, God spoke to his heart, enlightened his spirit, and opened his mind. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) For Br. Lawrence, worshipping the Lord was simpler than we make it sometimes, and he found more of his devotion to God throughout his daily activities, such as washing dishes, than he did in the regular prayer times that marked his monastic life. Worshipping God, for Br. Lawrence, was something that could be done both in & through his regular work – even washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. He did these things to glorify God, and he regularly practiced an awareness of God in everything, constantly drawing his mind back to God’s presence amid the busyness of life. How would it change your life today, and your work, if you practiced a regular recognition of God’s presence in all you do? In the chores of laundry, dishes, and cooking dinner? What if you could be worshipping God in all that you did today? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Collosians 3:16-17). Worshipping God in our everyday life and work Lord of all pots and pans and things, Since I've no time to be A saint by doing lovely things, Or watching late with Thee, Or dreaming in the dawnlight, Or storming heaven's gates, Make me a saint by getting meals, And washing up the plates! It is said that this well known twentieth century poem (often incorrectly attributed to Br. Lawrence because of the likeness of sentiment), was written by a nineteen year old domestic servant girl of a large home. Being found, it was copied and made its way through London’s kitchens and washrooms and now into volumes of literature. That young woman, and those who followed, sought to find enlightenment in the everyday routine. Where do we start? When you do anything, do it to the glory of God. Be a good representative of Jesus, with the goal of bringing glory & praise to Him. This is just how simple it is to worship God in our everyday life and work. When you take out the trash, praise God for the provision God has provided. When you're writing another email to the same person explaining the same idea for the fourth time, thank God for technology and a mind to interact. While meeting with the boss, honor God in how you respond. While driving, thank God for places to go and the beauty along the way. While fixing a meal—or eating one, praise God for the bounty of the earth and for those who till the ground. While taking a shower, marvel at the ability to be clean and give thanks to God for those who made this gift a priority for you. When dealing with a less-than-pleasant person, ask for Christ’s presence and pray for peace and patience for you both, praising God for the opportunity to witness. You get the idea, everywhere and at all times there is an opportunity for prayer and praise. Worshipping God in our everyday lives can be simple. It begins with turning your heart toward God amidst the busyness of life and choosing to direct your thoughts towards Him. And that begins with a simple prayer, inviting God into your work and asking the Holy Spirit to help you honor God in all that you do – just like the Scriptures say! When we invite God into our lives, and into our life and work, things begin to change for the better. Feeling burnt out? Feeling like you’re not making a difference? Pray to God for sight to see your purpose as you seek to worship through your actions. Make every stapled paper, sent email, lunch break, trash run, and wash load an act of worshipping God. You will surely be blessed! Worshipping God in your daily life and work begins with your desire to transcend the monotony and live in joy. Br. Lawrence and that young lady have helped show the way. May the Lord remind you today of the value of your work, your role, and your life as you begin worshipping through your everyday life and work. Praising God in all things, Fr. Bill+ Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for the 1st Sunday after Christmas
The Christmas “hoopla” is over. The lights will soon come down (or already have), and the new “toys” will soon be yesterday’s news. Our culture has done such a great job of commercializing Christmas that other countries have banned the appearance of Santa Claus for fear of the same fate we now suffer. For many people, Christmas is not a time of joy and satisfaction, but of loneliness and fear. Statistically, suicides and nervous breakdowns increase each year at Christmas, and law enforcement is stretched to keep up with the increased demand. For many, Christmas is a time of darkness. It is no wonder—our television and radio and internet proclaim family and fun, but for many, that is nothing but an illusion, a bad joke of what might have been. The holiday has a beginning and an end, a crescendo of joy breaking into a valley of despair, a roller coaster ride of emotion to match the screaming dervish of activity we cram into the little time we have—sounds great, huh? For some, Christmas leaves behind disillusionment and disappointment. And yet, there is good news for you! Whether you found joy at Christmas this year or did a fair job of faking it, or if it was a time you would rather forget, there is something here for you! God has poured upon us the new light…Jesus Christ our Lord! I know, I’m not saying anything new, but I’m not saying anything boring either. I’m not talking about Jesus with Santa in the background, and I’m not saying “believe now and you will suddenly be joyous” (although that is possible). What I am saying is that God has done something for you. For after the shock of the incarnation, the bold, sin-saving move of our audacious God, comes the enduring light. It is the light of Christ. It’s hard to look into that light. We have to squint and sometimes close our eyes or turn away. It takes time for our eyes to grow accustomed to the light, but we have to keep trying, squinting and straining to see where we are going. We all know that after a while, we do get used to whatever light there is, and we are lost and immobile when it is gone. God has poured a new light upon us so we can see where we are going, so we won’t trip or fall. It’s that light we celebrate, that gift of sight and companionship. It’s that illumination and warmth that sustains us; all the rest is illusion. So pack away those icicle lights and Christmas tree bulbs, all in a tangle that will have you muttering next Christmas, too. Put away the tinsel and tree decorations. And with it put away darkness, put aside despair. For Emmanuel, our God is with us. And put on the armor of light. God has poured upon us the new light…Jesus Christ our Lord, not so we can rise and fall on seasonal celebrations, but so we can live in the constant light of God’s love. Christmas, Easter, Lent, Advent are purposeful bumps in the road with only one intention: to help us remember the road. They are not an end in themselves; quite the contrary, they are reminders of something greater than themselves. The Light that shines in the heart of God is the light of love for you. I pray that for all of us, this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. In His Light! Fr. Bill+ Epiphany
As the Christmas season draws to a close, we enter the blessed season of Epiphany. Epiphany is one of the church’s most ancient and joyful celebrations, which even predates the celebration of Christmas. Originating in the late third century Egypt (the first Christmas celebration was some forty years later around 336 A.D.), the Feast of the Epiphany was a multi-focus event. The celebration of Epiphany, which means manifestation or appearance, was just what the word means, the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God, and Savior of the world. The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle (showing that he was the Messiah) at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Shortly after the feast of Christmas was initiated (in 336 under Emperor Constantine), the season after Christmas into Epiphany was referred to as the twelve nights. The twelve nights, known as Smoke Nights because they were filled with incense, were nights of special devotion and prayer. Beginning on Christmas Eve, Christians would burn incense each evening, moving through their homes and barns in a ritual of protection and blessing for twelve nights. Each night may have had a special emphasis or focus with opportunities for teaching and devotion. Prayers for divine protection, guidance, forgiveness, and praising God's light—the manifestation of Jesus, the light that overcomes the darkness— were filled with Psalms, biblical prophesies and traditional liturgies reflecting universal themes of seeking shelter in darkness and awaiting divine dawn. The eastern churches still celebrate Epiphany this way, with the emphasis on the multi-faceted manifestation of Christ throughout scripture. For us, Epiphany is all about the Magi or Kings or Wise Men. The three or two or eight (as have been depicted through the centuries) are representatives of the neighboring pagan religions who have come to find a divine manifestation proclaimed by the stars. They first go to Jerusalem to honor the King of the Jews, Herod the Great, who surely must know of this birth or may even be the father. Their journey, dangerous and long, is worth the risks because of the gravity of the event: a king has been born who will be the King of not only Israel, but of all nations. These sage visitors from around the (then) world carried the story of their devotion—their journey and the child they found— back to their people. Their seeking and finding Jesus means that pagans and people of all religions can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world. St. Leo the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, wrote concerning Epiphany, A promise had been made to the holy Patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs... let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not only in Judaea, but in the whole world” (Sermon 3 in Epiphania Domini, 1: PL 54, 240). The promise made to Abraham is fulfilled through the womb of Blessed Mary. The birth of Jesus is the immutable plan of God first received by the Magi from the East and made available to all. The Star, once a beacon to the Magi, is supplanted by the light of Christ so clear and strong that all those who search for life and truth can come to contemplate the Savior of the world. Epiphany is our joyful celebration that God’s will is being done and that all people everywhere are invited into the household of God, in the blessed company of our Lord Jesus Christ. By His light, in His light, Fr. Bill+ |
AuthorFather Bill Burk† Archives
February 2026
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