Although this is brief, we hope to answer some of the questions you may have and make worship in the Episcopal tradition easier for you. Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, in 1549. The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship occasions for times when the community gathers and for individual use as well. It allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guide book for daily Christian living.
Scripture is the foundation of our worship.
Two-thirds of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Old and New Testaments. The primary service is the presentation of our Lord's last supper with his disciples, a service we call the Holy Eucharist. However, the first experience many visitors have with the Book of Common Prayer is at weddings, baptisms or at funerals in the Episcopal Church. Yes, in private daily prayers or with family, prayers in the morning and evening, special prayers of praise or thanksgiving, requests for others and for special occasions. All 150 Psalms, or poems from the Old Testament, are contained in the Book of Common Prayer and can be read at any time.