Publisher Description

This source of strength and solace for millions of Christian clergy and laypeople throughout the world can be a companion for your own spiritual journey.For centuries, Christians of different traditions and seekers from various backgrounds have found strength for their spiritual journey in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). First composed in 1549 by Thomas Cranmer, Henry VIII's Archbishop of Canterbury, the BCP, alongside Shakespeare's works and the King James Bible, helped shape the English language. Today almost eighty million Anglican Christians throughout the world use the BCP in public worship, and countless people—Anglican and otherwise—use it in their private devotional life.In this unique presentation of selections—organized by themes such as "Blessings in Times of Joy and Pain," "Called to Serve" and "Praise and Petition"—with facing-page commentary, C. K. Robertson offers fascinating insights into the history and heritage of the BCP. He also makes available the riches of this spiritual treasure chest for all who are interested in deepening their life of prayer, building stronger relationships and making a difference in the world.

Author Biography

The Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, PhD, is canon to the presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, a noted scholar in the worldwide Anglican Communion and distinguished visiting professor at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Dr. Robertson serves on several national boards and has published many books and articles (see , including The Book of Common Prayer: A Spiritual Treasure Chest—Selections Annotated & Explained; A Dangerous Dozen: 12 Christians Who Threatened the Status Quo but Taught Us to Live Like Jesus (both SkyLight Paths); Transforming Stewardship; Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives and Conversations with Scripture: The Acts of the Apostles. He has worked extensively with the U.S. Department of Education, the White House and in the film and television industry. He is a respected speaker on leadership development and conflict management.The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori is the presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. She became the Anglican Communion's first female primate in 2006. She is the author of The Heartbeat of God: Finding the Sacred in the Middle of Everything, Gathering at God's Table: The Meaning of Mission in the Feast of Faith (both SkyLight Paths) and other books.Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, renowned South African activist and cleric, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986, the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2005, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, among other honors.

Table of Contents

Foreword viiThe Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts SchoriPreface ixArchbishop Emeritus Desmond TutuIntroduction xi1. A Life of Prayer 12. Belonging and Building Relationships 453. Blessing in Times of Joy and Pain 934. Called to Serve 1195. Praise and Petition 145Using the Prayer Book as a Spiritual Tool 167Suggestions for Further Reading 170

Review

"A gift to the larger ecumenical community. The Book of Common Prayer ... continues to offer spiritual formation to Christians of many traditions ... this remarkable guide will enrich our pursuit."—Kathryn Mary Lohre, president, National Council of the Churches of Christ USA"One of the great classics.... Christians of every tradition can appreciate its majestic yet concise style, and draw upon it for inspiration and insight. Most welcome and of benefit to those seeking to deepen their Christian faith."—Rev. Ronald G. Roberson, CSP, associate director, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC"A fresh new set of insights.... A wellspring of encouragement to go deep and wide with this treasure trove of Christian roots and wings. I commend this work and all its potential for invigorating worship and transforming our experience of liturgy."—Archbishop David Moxon, Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See; director, the Anglican Centre in Rome"There is ... a kind of magnificence of scope that, combined with the richness of intimacy, blesses both the soul and the mind of its reader. The BCP has never been better served or more sympathetically considered than it is in these pages."—Phyllis Tickle, author, Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters"Warmly and brilliantly guides us through the spiritual riches of one of Christianity's most sublime religious texts. Anyone who seeks wisdom, hope and a deeper, more authentic prayer life, both individually and communally, will find this resource immensely rewarding."—The Rev. Peter Wallace, producer and host, Day1 radio program; author, The Passionate Jesus: What We Can Learn from Jesus about Love, Fear, Grief, Joy and Living Authentically"Help[s] readers connect with traditional wisdom in new ways.... Invites churchgoers and seekers alike into an uncommon life of gratitude grounded by God's beauty and grace."—Diana Butler Bass, PhD, author, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening"A truly hidden treasure.... Presents [the BCP] in a way that is contagious, practical and direct."—The Rev. Albert Cutié, priest of the Diocese of Southeast Florida; author, radio and television host"Unlock[s] the treasures of the BCP for those practiced or untutored in its use.... Robertson's historical and personal insights infuse ritual and prayer with fresh energy."—Gregory Vaughn Palmer, resident bishop, Ohio West Episcopal Area—The United Methodist Church, West Ohio Conference UMC

Long Description

This source of strength and solace for millions of Christian clergy and laypeople throughout the world can be a companion for your own spiritual journey. For centuries, Christians of different traditions and seekers from various backgrounds have found strength for their spiritual journey in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). First composed in 1549 by Thomas Cranmer, Henry VIII's Archbishop of Canterbury, the BCP, alongside Shakespeare's works and the King James Bible, helped shape the English language. Today almost eighty million Anglican Christians throughout the world use the BCP in public worship, and countless people--Anglican and otherwise--use it in their private devotional life. In this unique presentation of selections--organized by themes such as "Blessings in Times of Joy and Pain," "Called to Serve" and "Praise and Petition"--with facing-page commentary, C. K. Robertson offers fascinating insights into the history and heritage of the BCP. He also makes available the riches of this spiritual treasure chest for all who are interested in deepening their life of prayer, building stronger relationships and making a difference in the world.

Review Quote

"A gift to the larger ecumenical community. The Book of Common Prayer ... continues to offer spiritual formation to Christians of many traditions ... this remarkable guide will enrich our pursuit." --Kathryn Mary Lohre, president, National Council of the Churches of Christ USA "One of the great classics.... Christians of every tradition can appreciate its majestic yet concise style, and draw upon it for inspiration and insight. Most welcome and of benefit to those seeking to deepen their Christian faith." --Rev. Ronald G. Roberson, CSP, associate director, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC "A fresh new set of insights.... A wellspring of encouragement to go deep and wide with this treasure trove of Christian roots and wings. I commend this work and all its potential for invigorating worship and transforming our experience of liturgy." --Archbishop David Moxon, Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See; director, the Anglican Centre in Rome "There is ... a kind of magnificence of scope that, combined with the richness of intimacy, blesses both the soul and the mind of its reader. The BCP has never been better served or more sympathetically considered than it is in these pages." --Phyllis Tickle, author, Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters "Warmly and brilliantly guides us through the spiritual riches of one of Christianity's most sublime religious texts. Anyone who seeks wisdom, hope and a deeper, more authentic prayer life, both individually and communally, will find this resource immensely rewarding." --The Rev. Peter Wallace, producer and host, Day1 radio program; author, The Passionate Jesus: What We Can Learn from Jesus about Love, Fear, Grief, Joy and Living Authentically "Help[s] readers connect with traditional wisdom in new ways.... Invites churchgoers and seekers alike into an uncommon life of gratitude grounded by God's beauty and grace." --Diana Butler Bass, PhD, author, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening "A truly hidden treasure.... Presents [the BCP] in a way that is contagious, practical and direct." --The Rev. Albert Cuti

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