Grace at This Time: Praying the Daily Office [Paperback]

C. W. McPherson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999

The discipline of praying the Daily Office has fallen out of practice in recent years, even while many Americans seek to deepen their spiritual lives. The Discipline of the Daily Office is for all Christians, Episcopalian or otherwise, who seek a deeper relationship with God and scripture through a regular daily practice. In accessible language, C.W. McPherson explores the history, theology, and spirituality inherent in Morning and Evening Prayer, as well as the Minor Offices. He also provides practical instructions about the Office to help those who wish to use these prayers thoughtfully. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to understand this ancient tradition more completely.

Editorial Reviews

From The New Yorker

The great virtue of (McPherson's) writing is his clarity. He has a knack for writing as one would want a good teacher to teach. In this book he explains what the Daily Office is, how to use it, how to understand it as part of Anglican tradition, and how to interpret it theologically. McPherson takes the Office a part, looks at the pieces, and then puts it back together. The book is full of observations that are richly evocative and reveal a deep understanding of the way liturgy can work in our life.

McPherson is also concrete. He is as clear about how to pray as he is about the meaning of prayer. Daily prayer is as important to Christian life as the Eucharist. This book shows us how to use the tools we have - the Book of Common Prayer and the Bible - to make prayer in its many forms an integral part of our lives.

Review

... an informative and very useful commentary, instruction manual, and devotional guide to praying the Daily Office... -- Values and Visions

... one of the best kept secrets of the Church and McPherson has done... us a service in uncovering its treasures. -- Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, author of Passion for Pilgrimage and the Soul's Jouney

... valuable resource... leads us through the Daily Office making it more accessible to the reader unaccustomed to... these services. -- The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church USA

An informative and very useful commentary, instruction manual, and devotional guide to praying the Daily Office in the Book of Common Prayer. -- Values and Visions, January 2000

The book awakens us to the importance of daily reflection and prayer and gives very useful paths into helpful traditions and liturgies that will expand our horizon and deepen our awareness. The book will serve wlll for individual study, but also for group spirituality. An excellent teaching and historic resource. -- Resources Hotline

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Group (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819217840
• ISBN-13: 978-0819217844
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #700,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Episcopalian > Book of Common Prayer

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, January 1, 2001

By 

PeacefulNan "PeacefulNan" (East Central GA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Grace at This Time: Praying the Daily Office (Paperback)

This is an awesome book. It is especially recommended for persons who are new to praying the Daily Office. It simplifies what might seem to some a daunting task, while at the same time suffusing the words of the Book of Common Prayer with great meaning both intellectually and emotionally. One comes away from finishing this book with new resolve and excitment about incorporating the Office into one's daily life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much needed manual, July 28, 2004

By 

Swick (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Grace at This Time: Praying the Daily Office (Paperback)

This comprehesive little book answers just about every question one could have about the Daily Office of the Episcopal Church-how to pray it, it's history, and theology. Especially helpful are the series of actual questions asked and answered at the end of the book.

An increasing number of people seem to be praying the Daily Office, and there's a real need for a guide on how to do so, since most churches in the U.S. no longer offer it on Sundays or during the week, and at first glance it might appear to be complicated.

I've been praying the Daily Office for over ten years, and wish this book had existed when I fist began. It has increased my appreciation for the Office and my knowledge of it, I've given it as a gift, and heartily recommend it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading, August 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Grace at This Time: Praying the Daily Office (Paperback)

In 147 pages McPherson covers the evolution of the Daily Offices with remarkable clarity. The book is an easy read and covers the Morning Prayer office in beautiful detail. I suggest that it should be required reading for anyone new in the Episcopal Church.