Customer Reviews

Welcome To The Book Of Common Prayer (Welcome to the Episcopal Church)

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The Book of Common Prayer is one of those books that helps shape my life and spirituality. I was once asked to list books that have most influenced my life, vocational discernment and spirituality - I had a list of important books I'd read, but I also inserted a subset of books that continue to be of importance on a regular basis; in this small collection of books, the Book of Common Prayer shared pride of place with the Bible as one that I most frequently read.

I have collected editions of the Book of Common Prayer (with origins in the 1500s, it continues to be updated in various guises in various parts of the word; the touchstone is still is the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, but my most frequently used edition now is the 1979 Book of Common Prayer edition by the American Episcopal church), and also collect books about the Book of Common Prayer. Vicki Black's text is part of a series done by Morehouse Press, a publisher of Episcopal titles, who have introduced a 'Welcome to...' series to help both newcomers and established members better understand different aspects of the church.

Black's book is short and accessible, and follows the 1979 BCP in structure. There are sections of this book that provide introduction and commentary for each of the major sections of the Book of Common Prayer: Baptism, Eucharist, Daily Office, Church Year, Making Vows (Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination), Pastoral Offices, and the 'extra bits'.
While the BCP is arranged in a different order from Black's chapters, the arrangement of chapters in Black's book follow the criteria of 'most-used' - there are parts of the book that are more frequently used than others. Each chapter in Black's book can be read independent of the others for the most part, which makes this a very useful tool for Lenten studies, church groups and others who might want to follow a different sequence.

Black's first chapter opens with a comparison of the Episcopal church in practice to a scene in 'Finding Nemo' - I knew I would love this book at that instant! The main fish characters, Marlin and Dory, are swept up in a current that draws them along, together with a host of others, and it is both the stream and the community that transforms them in their quest. This is analogous to the way the liturgy and the community of the church should draw people in and carry them forward - 'we discover that we are not alone, and this liturgical current of worship, prayer, and praise will indeed take us where we want to go - to union with the God we seek to love.'

After giving a brief, informative and honest history of the origins of the Book of Common Prayer (including some of the political issues that no longer inform the reason for the BCP), Black proceeds to examine the different parts of the book in seven additional chapters. Included in this is a bit of theological analysis, liturgical practice, biblical basis, historical underpinnings, and questions for reflection and discussion (this latter piece is far from comprehensive, as the questions are open-ended to permit further questions to develop). Each of these implicitly draws into an idea of scripture, tradition and reason as the pillars of the Anglican system.

This is a very informative and useful guide, both for those who are new to the Book of Common Prayer, and those who have held the book in their hands through many editions all their lives.

I enjoyed this book- it is easy to read and very informative. Is a very good book for NEW Episcopalians. I would recommend Rectors use this book for a newcomers class

This is a very helpful resource for those new to using The Book of Common Prayer, or even if you have been using the BCP for a long time.

After switching over from the Methodist church to Episcopalian church, I found out about the Book of Common Prayer. For some reason it is not generally used in many denominations that also uses the bible. It is basically a small book that rephrases the bible in a more simple form so that families or individuals can read it daily for inspiration, a prayer tutorial and/or as a devotional book. It covers all types of actions within the church so that one can understand what is going on, such as a baptismal. In addition, it gives daily readings for the year and helpful for the holiday season. It is a great addition to the bible in any denomination!

Excellent overview of the BCP. Explains the history/rational of the different sections as well as introducing the mechanics of its use. Very helpful for those just becoming acquainted with the BCP as well as the Episcopal Church.

The way things are going, I should read this book more often.

Thanks.

Well written and easy to read. As a Life long Episcopalian I'm still fnding things out about the prayer book I didn't know. I grew up with the 1929 book of prayer. Some are things are the same some are different.

I purchased this book (Kindle) after becoming interested in learning more about the Episcopalian religion. The book explains not only the customs of the church but the history and how the customs came about. Very informative and in language we can all understand. I would highly recommend this book to all who are seeking to find more information about the Epicopalian religion. I also believe those currently practicing the religion would find it interesting as well.