Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer is our guide to worship and devotion used in daily relationship with God. Our current Book of Common Prayer, most recently revised in 1979, was originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, in 1549. There are more than 70 million Anglicans in 163 countries throughout the world using the Book of Common Prayer in their own language, reflecting our diversity and ethnic backgrounds.
What is the Book of Common Prayer? The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship forms for the gathered community, as well as for individual use. It allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guide book for daily Christian living.
Why call it "Common" prayer? Common does not mean ordinary but "available" to the common person. These are the prayers we say together or "in common" when we worship as a community.
Does it relate to the Bible? Scripture is the foundation of our worship. Approximately two-thirds of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Old and New Testaments.
What services are included? The primary service is the presentation of our Lord's Last Supper with his disciples, a service we call the Holy Eucharist. However, the first experience many visitors have with the Book of Common Prayer is at weddings, baptisms or at funerals in the Episcopal Church.
Can it be used in personal devotions? Yes, it includes daily prayers for individuals and families, prayers for certain times of day, special prayers of praise or thanksgiving, and many other types of prayer. All 150 Psalms are contained in the Book of Common Prayer and can be read at any time. A calendar for reading through the entire Bible every two years, as well as an outline of the Episcopal faith and Church history are also included.
Can I make up my own prayers? The Book of Common Prayer is meant to compliment daily individual prayers, not to replace them. Every service in the book includes time for personal prayers, either silent or aloud. The Book of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy and inspiration, a unique treasure in Christian worship for more than 400 years.