Book of Common Prayer

Book of Common Prayer 1760

Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the short title of a number of related prayer books used in the Anglican Communion, as well as by other Christian churches historically related to Anglicanism. The original book, published in 1549 in the reign of Edward VI, was a product of the English Reformation following the break with Rome. The work of 1549 was the first prayer book to include the complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship in English. It contained Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Litany, and Holy Communion and also the occasional services in full: the orders for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, prayers for the sick, and a Funeral service. It set the standard for worship in the Church of England and, by extension, throughout the Anglican Communion.

History

The Book of Common Prayer was first issued in 1549, just a few years after the break with Rome, under the auspices of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury. It was intended to be a comprehensive service book for the Church of England. It underwent several revisions and adaptations over the years, with significant versions published in 1552, 1559, 1604, and 1662. The 1662 version of the Book of Common Prayer remains the official prayer book of the Church of England, although many Anglican provinces have developed their own versions to address local needs and language differences.

Content and Structure

The Book of Common Prayer includes a variety of services, prayers, and readings. Its structure is designed to facilitate both public worship and private devotion. The core services include:

• Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer: Also known as Matins and Evensong, these services are based on the monastic hours and include psalms, readings from the Bible, and prayers.
• The Litany: A series of petitions that are recited or sung in services, especially in times of disaster or public distress.
• The Holy Communion: Also known as the Eucharist, this is the central act of Christian worship and commemorates the Last Supper.
• The Collects: Short prayers that are intended to gather the prayers of the congregation and focus them on a particular theme or lesson.

In addition to these, the Book of Common Prayer contains rites for the sacraments (such as Baptism and Confirmation), the ordination of clergy, and the consecration of bishops. It also includes the Psalter or Psalms of David, a collection of 150 psalms used in various services.

Impact and Legacy

The Book of Common Prayer has had a profound impact on Christian worship in the English-speaking world. Its language and phrases have permeated English literature and culture. The book has also been a source of liturgical and theological controversy, reflecting tensions between different strands of Anglicanism (from high church to low church and broad church perspectives). Despite these controversies, the Book of Common Prayer has remained a foundational text for Anglicans worldwide.

Variations

Since its inception, the Book of Common Prayer has been adapted for use in various Anglican provinces, each creating versions that reflect local language, culture, and theological emphasis. These variations demonstrate the flexibility of the Anglican liturgical tradition, as well as the challenges of maintaining unity within a global communion.

Conclusion

The Book of Common Prayer is more than just a service book for the Anglican Church. It is a significant cultural and religious artifact that has shaped English-speaking Christianity and influenced the development of the English language and literature. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its spiritual and liturgical richness.