1979 Book of Common Prayer, Economy Edition: Black

A lovey little pray book.

very pleased with item and service from this seller would use again

timeless

Here I am daring to comment on this wonderful book, used by Episcopalians and one of the prayer and rubric publications that unite Anglicans worldwide. (There are about 77 million Anglicans in the world, and most have their own "version" of this wonderful and inspired book, though perhaps this specific size of which I write and this specific American version, may not be familiar to them all.) My copy that is this size, and at a similar good price as this one (take advantage of a good offer, by the way), has been used by me for about ten or so years. It's been a durable book, though worn now and the leather cover warped, despite my treating it from time to time. But then I carry it in my car, and sometimes leave it on the seat where the sun hits it. Nonetheless, it has proved durable. There are so many personal uses for the prayer book, and touching on some of them, it is important for me to note in this recitation, that the primary purpose of this version of "The Book of Common Prayer" for me is taking it to nursing, hospital, and similar places (including home visits), to administer home Communion. It is an excellent size for traveling, and as I may not have mentioned, also offers the complete book with all the prayers and this includes, "Communion under Special Circumstances," used in the Episcopal Church for bringing home communion. As a licensed lay Minister in my Church, and as an Oblate, I am always moved and informed by the same words from that shared, intimate service. To give you reader, an idea of the character of the book, here is a quote from the beginning prayer of the "Communion under Special Circumstances." "Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrement of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen." There is flexibility in the prayers, and the rubrics allow the lay minister or clergy administering the Eucharist to do the following: "After the reading [found before the opening prayer quoted above], the Celebrant may comment on it briefly." Also, "Suitable prayers may be offered, concluding with the following or some other Collect." My opinion is the book, both a religious, spiritually literary, and inspired work, encourages spiritual discussion of a religious nature after or before the words of the service. In this way, the Eucharist is a community or communion activity, where the idea of sharing the Church experience is enlarged in the presence of God and man. When I visit the elderly, especially the frail elderly in my visits, I sometimes share Psalms. The book contains all 150 Psalms, its own translation, of course. This one is a favorite of mine, not only because of its familiarity, but as well because it is a kind of statement about the journey and ministry with which I am engaged in this pastoral relationship: Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. This is a good place to end the review. --Peter Menkin, Pentecost, 2008 (August)

This is not prayer book in the true sense of the word. It is more for someone who is going to be an officiant at a funeral, wedding etc. There are lots of prayers in it, order of service etc, plus all the stuff about conducting a funeral, baptism, wedding etc. So if this is your goal, this is the book for you. If you just want a book of prayers, this is not it. Amazon was very nice about it though. We got a refund for the full amount.

Es un libro pequeño pero la tipografía es muy pequeña y difícil de leer. Sería mejor un poco más grueso y con una fuente más grande (aunque sé que esto aumentaría el coste).

I recently made the switch from Roman Catholic to Episcopalian and I could not be happier. They are both Catholic so the mass that is conducted is approximately 95% similar. Where there were differences I was able to use this Book of Common Prayer (BCP) as a guide to follow mass and be fully present and understand what was going on. This is the version that is used in standard Episcopalian services so if you want to learn more and be able to follow during mass I would highly recommend this book.

I bought this book because I love reading it even though I’m not Episcopalian or anything. It’s just something I like to read.