The Book of Common Prayer, Worship, and Me

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!
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Thanks be to God!
 
Fr. Bill+