The Book of Common Prayer runs like a golden thread through the history of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Oxford Guide to the Book of Common Prayer is the first comprehensive guide to the history and usage of the original Book of Common Prayer and its numerous descendants throughout the world. It shows how a seminal text for Christian worship and devotion has inspired a varied family of religious resources that have had an influence far beyond their use in the churches of a single tradition.
The Guide is unique. In it, experts from every part of the globe and every branch of Anglicanism, as well as from the Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Unitarian traditions, provide an unparalleled examination of The Book of Common Prayer and its lineage. Much more than simply a history, this volume describes how Anglican churches at all points of the compass have developed their own Prayer Books and adapted the time-honored Anglican liturgies to their diverse local cultures. In the dozens of editions now in use throughout the world, the same texts--Daily Prayers, the Eucharist, Marriage and Funerals, and many others--resemble each other, and yet differ from each other in interesting ways. A brief look at "electronic Prayer Books" offers a glimpse at how this story of development and adaptation may continue in the Information Age.
From 1549 to the twenty-first century, The Oxford Guide to the Book of Common Prayer offers a fascinating journey through the history and development of a classic of world literature.
"A wonderful and useful book. This book asks all the important questions and provides essential material for those who are looking foranswers."
--(The Rev.) Christopher Webber, The Living Church
"It is well conceived physically, graced with both illustrations of historic prayer books and text boxes from the liturgies being discussed, which are a significant help to the reader. This authoritative guide to the Book of Common Prayer as it once was and has now become will well serve anyone interested in Anglicanism or the prayer book tradition."
--Christian Century
"The editors have assembled a roster of authors that is a veritable who's who among Anglican liturgical scholars. [They] have provided a service to the entire Communion by editing this worldwide survey of the Book of Common Prayer."
--Frank C. Senn, Anglican Theological Review
"Hefling and Shattuck have kept a tight hand; they have maintained narrative interest, eliminated overlaps, discreetly filled holes themselves. Excerpts from specimen prayers and documents are given in boxes on the page. In a big book, room has been found for thirty black-and-white illustrations, a chronology, a glossary, a bibliography, a good index, and a world map in the endpapers."
--John Whale, Times Literary Supplement
"Monumental and magnificent! This Guide makes clear why The Book of Common Prayer is both a religious and a literary masterpiece."
--Phyllis Tickle

How does the universal experience of suffering relate to the experience of worship? Questioning how Anglican liturgy welcomes people who are suffering, Suffering in Worship uniquely applies a narrative-ritual model for the analysis of both the liturgical text and worship services themselves. In this book, van Ommen draws on interviews with participants in worship as well as clergy. Highlighting several elements in the liturgy which address suffering, including the Eucharist, songs, sermons and prayers of intercession, he shows the significance of a warm and safe liturgical community as a necessary context for suffering people to find consolation. This book also uses the concept of remembrance to plead for liturgy that attends to the suffering of both God and people. As such, it will be of interest to scholars of pastoral theology as well as clergy.

God's promises are forever. First responders across the globe bravely serve the public every day despite the inevitable dangers their professions present, yet their service does not come without cost. Prayers & Promises for First Responders is the perfect encouraging resource for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and everyone behind the scenes. Arranged by theme, this book contains inspirational Scriptures, powerful prayers, and thought-provoking questions to help readers draw closer to God and find strength and peace. Trials and hardship are sure to come, but you can stand proudly on the foundation of God's Word that lasts forever.

Contains all the advice, guidance and resources a church needs to discuss admitting children to Holy Communion before confirmation Includes a ready-to-use preparation course for the whole family Also includes answers to the most common objections from parishes and an outline admission service Authors have many years' experience of advising and resourcing parishes on this issue

Part 1 of the volume is a "Book of Hours" that provides a guide for prayer in five "hours" throughout the day, to be prayed over the course of a week. It also offers a flexible alternative version of the hours that can be said on any day of the week. part 2 includes a collection of prayers expressing devotion to the Eucharist, Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Spirit. Throught the book, readers experience the heart and soul of Catholic Christianity. Leatherette vinyl binding

This unique new book records and celebrates the extraordinary wisdom and genius of Frederick William Dwelly, the first Dean of Liverpool. His creativity in the use of poetry, of music, of the commissioning of art, and in the use of the Great Space of Liverpool Cathedral set him apart from his peers and won huge admiration from all quarters. Above all, his liturgy was always centred around the value of the human being and he fostered worship that was dignified, imaginative and relevant for the thousands of people who attended services. Peter Kennerley's lively account of the work of a true master of liturgy is set in the context of the story of the cathedral itself, to create this highly readable, beautifully illustrated and fascinating volume.

David Adam believes that the way to get the most out of worship on Sundays is to pray regularly on weekdays. Here, to help us in this duty and joy of preparation, he offers prayers that link with the readings for each Sunday and great festival of the Christian Year. The prayers employ the Celtic emphasis and style that many people have found helpful in David's earlier books. They will be equally as helpful for those who do not use a weekly lectionary as for those who do. The author sees clearly the reality in our lives both of the clouds - of sadness, misfortune, pain - and the glory to be found in God. He invites us to 'use these prayers as a vehicle to get out of the clouds and greyness to where you get a glimpse of glory'.

Discover the rich tradition of Ignatian prayer in Hearts on Fire, compiled by Michael Harter, SJ. Hundreds of Ignatian prayers are included here, many written by the most illustrious Jesuits--Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Anthony de Mello, Karl Rahner, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and others. Each gives eloquent voice to Ignatian spirituality, which affirms that God is present in all things and at all times. Thus, this collection includes Ignatian prayers for all occasions, including the most familiar and seemingly mundane.

Compiled by a serving military chaplain

Readings for Weddings is an inspirational collection of Bible quotations, poems, hymns and prose for secular weddings, church ceremonies and services of blessing. Mark Oakley includes such 'wedding classics' as 1 Corinthians 13 and Khalil Gibran's The Prophet, the poetry of Shelley and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, verse by Wendy Cope and other witty, contemporary poets.

In 100 succinct summary statements that serve as a basic overview of the parts of the Mass, this compact volume provides an introduction to understanding the greatest prayer of the Church. Perfect for RCIA use, returning Catholics, or as a concise, handy reference. Illustrated.

'This book, a classic guide to the celebration of the Church's ancient Gregorian Rite in the English-speaking world, will serve priests and seminarians of the twenty-first century--just as it served so many priests of the twentieth--in their pastoral mission, which now necessarily includes familiarity with and openness to the use of the older form of the sacred liturgy. I happily commend it to the clergy, seminarians and laity as a reliable tool for the preparation and celebration of the liturgical rites authoritatively granted by the Holy Father in Summorum Pontificum. 'I congratulate the distinguished liturgical scholar, Dr. Alcuin Reid, for his care and precision in ensuring that this revised edition conforms to the latest authoritative decisions with regard to these liturgical rites. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his letter which accompanied Summorum Pontificum: "In the history of the liturgy there is growth and progress, but no rupture." The Gregorian Rite is today a living liturgical rite which will continue its progress without losing any of its riches handed on in tradition. For as the Holy Father continued, "What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behoves all of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church's faith and prayer, and to give them their proper place." May this book assist the Church of today and of tomorrow in realising Pope Benedict's vision.' Dario Cardinal Castrillon HoyosPresident, Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei This fifteenth edition, revised in the light of Pope Benedict XVI's reforms and expanded and corrected throughout, includes a new chapter on the music of solemn and sung Mass as well as clarifications of questions that have arisen in the light of recent experience. It gives descriptions of the rites of pontifical, solemn and low Mass, Vespers, the liturgical year including Holy Week, the sacraments, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, funerals, episcopal visitation and more.

Tried-and-tested collection of creative resources for the Church's year

The Glenstal Book of Prayer is a rich, nourishing resource on the dark, mysterious, but exciting journey that is prayer. It draws on things both old and new: on the wisdom of the Bible, enshrined in Benedictine liturgy, on the experience of modern monks, and on the wisdom of the Christian Church throughout her long and varied history. Coming as it does from an Irish monastery, it reflects in a special way the Celtic tradition with its earthy, popular and devotional prayers. Beautifully bound and designed, it is both prayer and inspiration. The first section is a simplified Liturgy of the Hours to dedicate and bless those two great moments of the day that bear witness to Christ: morning, when we celebrate his rising as the light of the world, and evening, when we acclaim him as the unquenchable light that never sets. Through psalms, canticles, and other words of scripture, through invocations and concluding prayers, the day is hallowed and the presence of the risen Christ is gratefully remembered. In addition, elements have been included stemming from the ancient custom of consecrating special moments to the Lord in the bustle of the daily round. These "prayer-stops" are the modern equivalent to monastic ?Little Hours, ? recalling as they do the coming of the Holy Spirit and the dramatic events of Christ's passion. They are an invitation and an opportunity to pause in the midst of work and turn our hearts to God. Night prayer (Compline), the last monastic office of the day, is included as the prayer before sleep. Its haunting psalms and canticles, its prayers for protection, its calling upon Mary are some of the most beautiful treasures from the storehouse of monastic prayer. They lead us gently across the bridge of sleep, from the glaring light of day to the dark cradle of the night and the world of dreams. This liturgical section includes a seasonal element so that the great festivals of the Christian year may be incorporated in our prayer, and a calendar of saints? days so that they can be commemorated. A selection of prayers for that purpose is also provided. These can be used in place of the prayer at the end of morning and evening prayer. The second section consists of familiar prayers, those tried and tested prayer texts stretching back through the centuries: the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles? Creed, the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, and many others. The third section, ritual prayers, provides prayer forms for various needs and occasions as they arise in every life, and a series of blessings. It will be a valuable and useful resource for the many times when spoken or formal prayers are looked for in situations of necessity, sorrow, joy, or grief. The Celtic element is particularly marked in this part of the book. There is also a special prayer for Benedictine Oblates. The fourth and final part includes psalms (to supplement the liturgical section or for meditation) and a series of quotations from the Rule of Saint Benedict. The latter, encapsulating the wisdom of this great foundational text of Christian civilization, can be read as part of night prayer (Compline) or simply meditated or ruminated upon as a source of inspiration in one's spiritual life. Thus, The Glenstal Book of Prayer provides for the whole sweep of prayer. It captures that movement of the Holy Spirit in the human heart that is prayer and through which God reaches out and embraces us. Includes two-color printing throughout and a ribbon marker.

This latest volume of our "Favorite Prayers" Series contains some of the finest prayers from both the new and the old editions of the Enchiridion of Indulgences. The prayer texts are all given in sense lines and in large type for easy reading. Printed and illustrated in two colors.

Got 3 minutes, girl? Take a few moments of your day to quiet your spirit, think on God's amazing love for you, and make a meaningful connection with your heavenly Father with these 3-minute readings designed just for you This delightful devotional packs a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration into dozens readings designed to meet you right where you are in life. Minute 1: meditate on a scripture selection; Minute 2: read through a devotional created just for you; Minute 3: read a prayer designed to help jump-start your conversation with God. In only 3 short minutes, you'll be on your way to beautiful blessings

The heat of the summer is fading away, and it's time to start looking forward to America's favorite season of all: fall. Fall is coming; it's a time to be inspired by the reds and golds of the season and to thank God for His many blessings. With simple and timeless devotions, delicious recipes, and ideas for fall traditions, Devotions for the Fall will help you kick off and thoroughly enjoy the fall season. In Devotions for the Fall, you will find 40 devotions together with: festive photographs inspiring quotes and prayers of thanksgiving ideas for fun fall activities and traditions fall inspired recipes to warm your heart Devotions for the Fall is the perfect hostess gift, housewarming present, fall birthday treat, or a self-purchase for anyone who loves all things fall. Relax by the fire, sip some apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy the season to the fullest with this festive devotional.

Reintroduces the practice of eucharistic adoration for today, offering a simple guide for those new to it. Murphy explores the deep scriptural and human meaning of each of the seven sayings of Jesus. Each chapter also contains dialogue questions for conversation with Christ.

'I offer Thee Every cloud that ever swept O'er the skies and broke and wept In rain, and with the flowerlets slept. My King. Each communicant praying Every angel staying Before Thy throne to sing. Adoramus Te! This extract from the ancient Irish prayer, Glorificamus Te, beautifully captures both the Celtic peoples' devotion to the Psalter, and their desire to express their love for God in every situation. There is much to gain from their approach to worship. David Adam's wonderful compilation celebrates the enduring Celtic dreams of Creation, Protection, Glory, Guidance and Praising God, through songs and poems that have enriched his own private devotions and public ministry.

Experience the ancient, beautiful, and life-transforming practice of lectio divina--the prayerful reading of Scripture. Give the gift of prayer to yourself and to those you love. Gilded page edges; bonded leather cover--navy.

For the prayers of the church to be enriched, it demands a praying people, writes David Adam. And in this book he offers intercessions, blessings and forms for the peace covering each Sunday and major festival of the Churchs year, so that worshippers can prepare for each service. The prayers employ the Celtic style found in David Adams many previous books, and can be used as a complement to the readings and collects for Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary. This book accompanies Clouds and Glory (Year A) and Glimpses of Glory (Year C). Such is the quality of these prayers that they will be as helpful for those who do not use a regular lectionary as for those who do. We need to see traces of glory in our everyday lives, writes the author, and this is very possible if we are willing to spend time with God.

This is a book to accompany the readings in year B of the Lectionary. It aims to help individuals and groups to understand and use Mark's Gospel. There are two other books that will follow this one: Journeying with Luke in Year C and Journeying with Matthew in Year A. This book's unique slant is that it asks readers to use their imagination 'to bring the Gospel to life.' It asks readers to visualize themselves in the scenes that Mark describes in order see Mark's Gospel in a fresh and exciting way.