Book of Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer, hereafter referred to as the 'BCP', is the worship book of the Episcopal Church. It has been called one of the finest examples of worship literature in the world. It contains the texts of public ceremonies, services, creeds and prayers, and private devotions.
The BCP has been used in worship for over 400 years. It has been altered as customs and times have changed. But, its basic elements have been carefully preserved. Through these centuries, the BCP has had widespread and long-lasting influence, and has been used and loved by millions of people. Today, the 1979 BCP, still rich in tradition yet containing much new material, is the authorized worship and ceremonial book of the Episcopal Church in the United States.
Because the BCP allows a worshiper fuller participation in church services, it does three things. One, it makes old meanings clearer. The language is more direct. It is as beautiful for our day as the older language was in its time. Two, it strengthens spiritual life. Understanding and using the BCP will make your worship more meaningful. It will also lead you to spiritual growth and a more mature Christian life. Three, it will unite you with other Episcopalians and with other worshipers.
The history of the BCP reflects its evolution. This evolution was rooted in the early history of the English Church, because it made the liturgy accessible to the people.
The first BCP was written in 1549 in London and it was The First Prayer Book of King Edward VI. This book was primarily written by Thomas Cranmer, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1556. Older Latin ceremonies were translated into English and adapted for regular liturgical use. By law, the Church of England was required to use the Prayer Book.
The following shows the development of the other English prayer books:
a. 1552: The Second Prayer Book of King Edward VI - During the time of the Protestant reformation, changes were made in text and ceremonies. In 1553, Mary, a Roman Catholic, became queen and restored Latin liturgical services.
b. 1559: The Elizabethan Prayer Book - Elizabeth, on becoming queen, brought back the 1552 Prayer Book (with a few changes). This addition was so widely used that it is considered to have had a significant influence on English language and literature.
c. 1604: The Jacobean Prayer Book - Due to the continued opposition to the Prayer Book of 1559, a new book with further alterations was issued during the reign of James I. In 1645, when Puritans came to power, public use of the Prayer Book was forbidden.
d. 1662: The Caroline Prayer Book - At this time a new book was approved by law. Many changes were made, including usage of the new King James Bible.
There were no further Prayer Books in England until the 20th century.
The following show the development of American (Episcopal) Books of Common Prayer:
a. 1789: The First American Book of Common Prayer - After the American Revolution and political separation from England, the Anglicans in America had to reorganize. A General Convention met in 1789 and authorized the first American Prayer Book. Though based on the English BCP of 1662, this book incorporated some features from Scottish Episcopal services, and substituted prayers for the President for prayers of the King.
b. 1892: The Second American Book of Common Prayer - This was a Prayer Book which took into account some of the changes in church life that had occurred in the 100 years since the 1789 Prayer Book.
c. 1928: The Third American Book of Common Prayer - This book was prepared in response to changes taking place worldwide. At this time, Prayer Book revisions were also made in Anglican churches in other countries
d. 1979: The Fourth American Book of Common Prayer - To follow the practices of the earliest Christians and to meet the needs of today's church, this newest book in the series was prepared and adopted.
The Book of Common Prayer has always been basic to Episcopal worship. Together with the Bible and the Hymnal, the Prayer Book is one of the foundations of the Episcopal Church.
It provides for the needs of worship. It contains the rite of Holy Eucharist and special ceremonies, with prayers, directions and responses for participants and clergy.
It provides for prayer. Included in the BCP are prayers, thanksgivings, collects and daily offices.
It provides ceremonies for rites of passage, such as baptism, Confirmation, ordination, marriage, healing, Last Rites, and burial.
It offers lessons in the Christian faith through its liturgies, lessons from Scripture, and outline of faith.
In our lifetime, the greatest change in American Prayer Books took place when the 1928 BCP was revised. There were many reasons. One was doctrine. The Bible and early church doctrines were not emphasized enough, especially in proclaiming the Word of God and in stressing celebration of the Sacraments. Two was form. Liturgy was too fixed and rigid and did not provide for the needs of a contemporary faith. Three was the role of laity. The laity needed to be more actively involved in worship, so increasing meaningful participation in worship was a major concern of the revisers. Four was language. Wording was often unfamiliar and not easily understood. What was needed was a fresh approach and revitalization of the BCP. The 1979 BCP was created to meet these concerns. The new BCP also placed new emphasis on the ecumenical movement. This greatly enriched new BCP is more flexible, has many new services, and meets many more needs.
Essentially, the 1979 BCP meets three criteria. Like all past revisions, the 1979 BCP is scripturally sound, even more faithful to the early church, and enlightening. It combines the past and the present by acknowledging ancient roots while reaching out to people today. It maintains a liturgical prose style which represents the best of traditional and contemporary usage.
The 1979 BCP has fourteen basic sections:1. Introductory Material
2. The Daily Office
3. The Great Litany
4. The Collects
5. Liturgies For Special Days
6. Holy Baptism
7. The Holy Eucharist
8. Pastoral Offices
9. Episcopal Services
10. The Psalms
11. Prayers
12. The Outline of the Faith
13. Historical Documents
14. Scripture Readings For Service
The Book of Common Prayer is a still considered one of the finest worship books in the world. All Saints', the mother Episcopal Church of Lakeland, Florida for 119 years, still uses a Prayer Book that has been shaped by 454 years of love. If you need a church family with a long history and strength - take time to visit us! We stand on the solid rock of faith!
