Welcome to the Book of Common Prayer

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.

This book is a wonderful introduction to the Book of Common Prayer and I really recommend it for folks who are learning about the Episcopal Church. The really good thing about it, though, is how much anyone can learn from it, no matter how long you have been in the church. Black's writing is clean and accessible. Her explanations are thorough and understandable but she doesn't "talk down" as some writers do. Her love for the BCP, the church and liturgy are quite plain and I know this is a book I will return to. We need more of her style to take some of the confusion out of what is the great joyful mystery of worship.

Not long after this book was published, some exclusivist conservative segments of the Episcopal Church broke away, causing a schism (over gay clergy). That undermines some of the thread of the book, which stresses both unity and diversity. Some people cannot hold those two ideas in their heads at the same time.Nonetheless, the Episcopal Church that is left is represented here in a beautiful way that is respectful to all.The book gives a history of the various sections of the Book of Common Prayer, as well as an overview. I would have liked something more practical, so I could use the BCP, but this gives the reader an understanding, which is better.

We converted from another denomination and wanted to understand the Book of Common Prayer and its role in Episcopal worship/use. I found this book most helpful and an interesting read. I even highlighted portions of it for reference later. This book was recommended to me by a priest as an introduction to understanding the Book of Common Prayer and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives as well as use it in worship services. I also purchased the Welcome to the Episcopal Church and found it very helpful and enlightening. My sister is converting to the denomination and I've ordered both of these books for her for Christmas. Would highly recommend both of these books for a new Episcopalian or existing ones who would like a review of their faith and practices.

I like all of the books in the Welcome to the Episcopal Church series. They are clear, concise books that are perfect for helping people understand the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. I use them to help people who want to go a little deeper - these books allows them to go a little deeper. I recommend them to anyone who wants to know more about the Episcopal Church.

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.

Informative but a little hard to get through.

This book answered all of the questions I had about The Common Book of Prayer. It helped me make sense of all the different chapters of the Prayer book and gave a wonderful historical perspective. I found the author to be a kind and caring person who gave a personal and sensitive perspective to the relating of the information. She included personal accounts that one could relate to, and which gave the rituals of the Church and the use of the Prayer book a connection to the everyday lives of those who use it year after year. I learned a lot from having read the book and felt my spiritual life was enriched in the process. I highly recommend this book.