The Background to the Book of Common Prayer

by Prof. the Revd. Raymond Chapman

The Church of England has had a complete book of services in English since 1549. After a few changes, the Book of Common Prayer (BCP; also known as the Prayer Book) as we now use it was published in 1662, to become and to remain the heart of our worship.

The Prayer Book has been familiar to generations of men and women for their regular Sunday worship and to make holy the principal events of their lives, the births, the marriages and the deaths. It has been and continues to be loved for its wonderful language, dignified and memorable but always speaking to our human condition. Phrases from it have come into everyday use and have been quoted in literature. 'Till death us do part', 'read, mark, learn an inwardly digest', 'peace in our time'. With the Authorised Version of the Bible, it has shaped the language of worship both in public services and private prayers.

The Collects, the special prayers for every week and season, are not hard to memorise and often express devotion than we cannot readily put into words. But far more important is its safeguarding of sound Christian doctrine. No book of services is based more closely on the teaching of the Bible, with words often drawn directly from biblical passages.

While modern services sometimes seem to lack the deep reverence with which we should approach God, the Book of Common Prayer continually honours His awe and majesty while also reminding us that He is a loving Father, close to each of us. It recognises the seriousness of sin and also the assurance of pardon for all who turn to God in faith. We have never really understood the reality of human wickedness, so apparent in the world around us, until we can sincerely say of our sins 'the remembrance of them is grievous unto us: the burden of them is intolerable'.

The leaders of great movements in the Church have been sustained by this book, equally with the most simple worshippers. It has inspired musical settings from some of the best church composers. It keeps its dignity and offers its comfort in every setting from the cathedral to the small country church, or the visit for a communion in the home.

It is still officially acknowledged as the standard of doctrine and worship in the Church of England.

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