Customer Reviews

The 1979 Book of Common Prayer, Reader's Edition

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The Oxford University Press version is more of a gift or presentation object of this text than a study version. It has a substantial hard cover, gilt edges, and marker ribbon. It is very nicely made. My disappointment with this version includes the limitations of the paper stock (the book comes with instructions indicating that the paper is susceptible to bleed through from pens or other markers) and the small typeface in which the Historical Documents section and Lectionary are printed. This is unfortunately too unkind to my middle-aged eyes (even with bifocals). As much as I like the way this edition is made, I am going to return it for one that can be used for study.

This particular edition is an elegant book, a "must own" for anyone practicing or interested in the Episcopalian/Anglican church. Clear and lucid explanations of the rites, vestments, symbols and rituals as well as a complete compendium of all the elements of the service. As an ex-Catholic coming to the church in mid-life, I have found it an invaluable resource.

I love the content and presentation. This book however will not be read by just the young.The print is smaller than most religious books I have seen and is very difficult to read for long. Beautiful cover and very regal looking --

While all BCPs (Books of Common Prayer) are regulated in content, this particular version of the BCP is the best one I have ever owned. The text is the perfect size for use in church or just for your own perusal at bedtime, and the size of the book itself is ideal for taking just about anywhere. This particular version is also the only BCP I've ever owned that lays completely flat, which is an added convenience to those who have trouble with juggling all those books around at church. I would highly reccomend this version of the BCP for those who are looking for a nicer version of the book that is also easy to use in more ways than one.

This is an excellent edition of the 1979 BCP. I am a conservative Reformed Christian, but I admire the order of worship in Anglicanism and I think the BCP is a good tool. I also prefer a more modern worship (i.e., modern language as opposed to Shakespearean), though I own the 1928 book and enjoy it as well. I like this one because they type isnt' so small you have to squint, but it's also not so huge as to look unwieldy. And since this is on Bible paper, it's not so thick and lunky either. I plan to use this in worship and devotions for a long time.

The 1979 edition of the BCP has been given a lot of bad press by traditionalists within the Church who claim that its theology is somehow not up to par with previous versions. Many of these people view the prayer book as the source of declining morality and ascendant liberalism within the Episcopal Church. Although I would probably be considered conservative on many issues within the Church I feel this Prayer Book has gotten a bad reputation for no reason. Aside from the charge that the 79 prayer book is not really a BCP prayer because it contains two rites, I haven't heard a criticism that I can countenance. Traditionalists would also do well to remember that Rite One was included to allay their fears of contemporary language. The inclusion of multiple prayers makes this prayer book ideal for personal use and the ease of memorization extends this to common worship. Although there are some parts of the new wording that are awkward, there were prayers in both the 1928 and the 1662 version that were also awkward. Add to this that the theology of the 79 prayer book is more catholic than the 28 and all in all you have a wonderful Book of Common Prayer. It seems to me that the actions that infuriate most traditionalists (and sometimes myself) such as attempting to use a gender-neutral Lord's Prayer are less a matter of Prayer-book theology and more a reflection on political correctness within the Church, and perhaps a lack of appropriate rubrics.

My title sums up what I like about the BOCP in general. The Book contains daily readings and prayers for virtually every occasion. I find that it keeps me focused and gives direction to my quiet times. The Daily Office is a blessing. This edition (the hardback) is plain and simply beautiful. There is so much included in this little book virtually every Christian will find it valuable. Liberalism may have crept in slightly in this edition (1979) but it is still very traditional.

The classic. All essential services included along with psalms and lectionary. Absolutely beautiful language.
Anna, SOM
Comfimed Episcopalian

This is not the item to order if you want a hardcover edition. I checked this item and chose "hardcover" but was sent a very nice Black Leather version with a Zipper. When notified of the problem Amazon sent me a replacement...you guessed it...another black leather with zipper edition arrived. Do some more searching if you want the 1979 hardcover edition.
The paper is high quality and it's nice to have the Psalter and the 3 year alternating Sunday lectionary and the daily lectionary all in one place. This edition also includes the much loved Prayer of St Francis of Assisi.

For those who want to begin to pray or deepen your prayer life,, this book is a valuable resource. One of the mosted prised gifts to the english speaking world are the 1,000 or so different prayers for different occation contained in this book. Prayers for the sick, over 10 different, prayers for travel, prayers for confidence and clarity of thought. You can mine this source for new prayer gems daily.

Good Luck