Language: English (various editions) First Published: 1549 Commissioned by: Edward VI of England Authors: Primarily Thomas Cranmer Purpose: Liturgy of the Anglican Church Key Editions: 1549, 1552, 1559, 1662, various later revisions

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a collection of liturgies, prayers, and services used in the Anglican Communion and other denominations. First introduced in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI, the book was largely the work of Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury ¹⁾. The BCP played a central role in shaping Anglican worship and has had a profound influence on the English language and Christian liturgical traditions worldwide ²⁾.

The creation of the Book of Common Prayer was part of the English Reformation, a movement that sought to establish a distinctly English form of Christianity, breaking from the authority of the Roman Catholic Church ³⁾. Prior to its development, English worship services followed the Latin-based liturgies of the Catholic Church, which were largely inaccessible to the average layperson.

The BCP aimed to make church services comprehensible to all worshipers by being written in English. It consolidated various rites and ceremonies, including the Eucharist, Baptism, Marriage, Morning and Evening Prayers, and Funeral services. The BCP also included the Psalms and a daily lectionary for Bible readings ⁴⁾.

The first Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549 under Edward VI and represented a moderate reformation of worship. It maintained several traditional Catholic elements but presented them in English. This edition sought a middle ground between Catholic and Protestant practices ⁵⁾.

The 1552 edition, also during Edward VI’s reign, was more radically Protestant. It removed many practices deemed too Catholic, such as prayers for the dead and references to the Mass as a sacrificial offering. The language and theology reflected a stronger Calvinist influence, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and justification by faith alone ⁶⁾.

After a brief return to Catholicism under Mary I, the BCP was restored and revised under Elizabeth I in 1559. This edition sought to balance Protestant theology with elements acceptable to Catholics, helping to solidify the Elizabethan Religious Settlement and stabilize the Church of England ⁷⁾.

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer is perhaps the most significant and lasting version. It was introduced after the English Civil War and the Restoration of Charles II. This edition remains the standard form of worship for the Church of England and many Anglican provinces to this day. Its elegant language and formal style have deeply influenced English literature and religious life ⁸⁾.

The Book of Common Prayer covers a wide range of Christian life and worship, including:

• Daily Offices: Morning and Evening Prayers for regular daily worship.
• Holy Communion: The liturgy for the celebration of the Eucharist.
• Baptism: The service for welcoming new members into the Christian faith.
• Confirmation: The rite of affirming baptismal vows.
• Marriage: The traditional Anglican service for weddings.
• Funeral Services: Prayers and rites for burial and remembrance.
• Ordination: The consecration of bishops, priests, and deacons.
• Psalter: A complete set of Psalms for recitation in daily worship.

The Book of Common Prayer has had a profound impact on the English-speaking world, shaping the language of worship, literature, and public discourse. Phrases from the BCP, such as “ashes to ashes, dust to dust” and “till death do us part,” have become ingrained in English culture ⁹⁾. Its literary style, marked by formal yet accessible language, has influenced many English writers, including John Milton, T.S. Eliot, and C.S. Lewis ¹⁰⁾.

The Book of Common Prayer has been adapted for use in many different countries and cultures within the Anglican Communion. Various editions have been produced to reflect the linguistic, theological, and cultural contexts of Anglican provinces in places like the United States, Canada, and Africa. The American Episcopal Church produced its own version in 1789, and subsequent revisions have followed, including a major update in 1979 ¹¹⁾.

In addition to Anglican churches, the BCP has also influenced other Christian traditions, such as Methodism, which uses adapted forms of the BCP in its worship ¹²⁾.

The Book of Common Prayer has been at the center of various theological and political controversies. The imposition of the BCP in Scotland in 1637 by Charles I led to widespread unrest and eventually contributed to the Bishops' Wars, part of the larger conflict that culminated in the English Civil War ¹³⁾. Different theological factions within the Church of England have also debated revisions of the prayer book to reflect changing views on liturgy, theology, and social issues.

Despite these controversies, the 1662 edition remains the authoritative version in the Church of England, while modern liturgical supplements like Common Worship (2000) are also widely used ¹⁴⁾.

The Book of Common Prayer is one of the most enduring and influential liturgical texts in Christian history. Its impact extends beyond Anglicanism, shaping the worship of millions of Christians around the world and leaving a lasting imprint on English literature and culture ¹⁵⁾.