Opening the Prayer Book

This is a great book for teaching about the Book of Common Prayer as used in the Episcopal Church. It gives history, theological explainations of what we profess and it avoids any pretense or cross denomination swips. This would be especially useful for adult confirmation class and for instruction of those coming to the church from other denominations.

Opening the Prayer Book (New Church's Teaching Series, V. 7)Bishop Lee's historical and carefully researched treatise on the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer is a reservoir of profound liturgical worship dating back to the early church is highly recommended spiritual reading for the modern baptized Christian.

The Episcopal church in the twentieth century took advantage of the general availability of publishing to good advantage, compiling through several auspices different collections and teaching series, the latest of which was only completed a few years ago. There have been 'unofficial' collections of teaching texts, such as the Anglican Studies Series by Morehouse press, put out in the 1980s, as well as an earlier teaching series. However, each generation approaches things anew; the New Church Teaching Series, published by Cowley Publications (a company operated as part of the ministry of the Society of St. John the Evangelist - SSJE - one of the religious/monastic communities in the Episcopal church, based in the Boston area) is the most recent series, and in its thirteen volumes, explores in depth and breadth the theology, history, liturgy, ethics, mission and more of the modern Anglican vision in America.This seventh volume, 'Opening the Prayer Book' by Jeffrey Lee, looks at the Book of Common Prayer, perhaps the central defining thing in Anglicanism. Lee's primary focus here is the 1979 American Book of Common Prayer (which makes sense, given that this is a church teaching series for a church that uses this as the primary text); however, no edition or variation of the Book of Common Prayer exists in a vacuum, either historically or geographically/culturally. Lee explores general issues of liturgy and common worship/prayer life in the context of the Anglican usage of the BCP. Particularly with the 1979 American version (and some other recent variations, such as the New Zealand and Australian Prayer Books), there is a great deal of flexibility built into the document that at the same time strives toward consistency and identity. Lee looks briefly at the history of the development of the Book of Common Prayer, from its English origins in the sixteenth century to the more recent versions in America, acknowledging the issues that led to a Scottish influence in the construction of the American Prayer Book. After this historical survey, Lee looks at particular pieces of the liturgy in the BCP, including the primary services around the sacrament of baptism and Easter celebrations, the highest of holy days, and the various other liturgies present for both regular and occasional use. Putting this liturgy into action for the entire congregation (worship shouldn't be something that a clergy caste 'does' for the people as they sit in pews and watch) is a primary concern for Lee. Lee's final chapter gives some speculations into the future of liturgical development and prayer book reform. Each generation or two makes the prayer book anew for its worship; this always creates tension between those who want to remain with the established ways, those who want radical change, and those who aren't satisfied with the eventual settlement. Even as he argues for continuity with much of Anglican tradition, Lee looks forward to a time when there will be no sta

This is a very reader friendly book concerning one of the most essential parts of the Episcopal Church, and that is the Book of Common Prayer. As an Episcopalian, this book has refreshed my knowledge on the prayer book and has taught me things I either forgot or didn't know. Common prayer is something we cherish as Episcopalians. It is something that unites us all and at the same time, it shows our commitment as followers of Christ by actively participaing in prayer and the liturgies. We have studied this book in our adult Sunday school class and I have enjoyed every minute of it. A must read for any Episcopalian or anyone interested in the prayer book and the Episcopal Church.

This is a very user friendly book. Mr. Lee's writing is very clear for the average lay person. As a cradled Episcopalian (born and raised in the Episcopal Church) I learned so much about the book I use every week. It is a wonderful resource and great teaching tool. Thanks for clarifying and expanding upon our church's prayer book!