The Book of Common Prayer

Our Guide to Worship and Living a Life of Prayer

At Church of the Resurrection, our life together is shaped by a rhythm of prayer that connects us to the history of the Church and to one another. We use the Book of Common Prayer (2019), the authorized prayer book of the Anglican Church in North America.

It is more than just a book of services; it is the Bible arranged for prayer.

Why We Use a Prayer Book

We believe that how we pray shapes what we believe (lex orandi, lex credendi). Using the Book of Common Prayer allows us to:

  • Pray the Scriptures: The majority of the Prayer Book is drawn directly from the Bible, ensuring our worship is grounded in God’s Word.

  • Pray Together: "Common" prayer doesn't mean "ordinary"; it means shared. Whether we are in Mebane, Kenya, or Singapore, we are joining our voices with millions of Anglicans worldwide.

  • Pray Wholistically: The liturgy leads us through confession, praise, thanksgiving, and intercession, ensuring we don't get stuck praying only about our own immediate worries.

Sunday Worship: Word & Sacrament

On Sundays, our worship follows the Holy Eucharist service from the BCP 2019. This is a "Gospel-shaped" journey that re-tells the story of redemption every week:

  1. The Acclamation & Collect: We gather and focus our hearts on God.

  2. The Word: We hear from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels.

  3. The Sacrament: We feast at the Lord's Table, receiving the grace of Jesus Christ.

  4. The Sending: We are commissioned to go out into our community to love and serve.

For Daily Life: The Daily Office

The Prayer Book is not just for Sundays. It is designed to sustain a daily rhythm of prayer for individuals and families, known as the Daily Office.

Morning & Evening Prayer

These services allow you to read through the Psalms every month and the bulk of the Bible every year. It is a powerful way to anchor your day in Scripture.

Family Prayer

For families with young children, or those with limited time, the Family Prayer section (BCP p. 67) offers brief, accessible liturgies for morning, midday, early evening, and close of day.

Compline

In our Small Groups, we often close our time together with Compline—a beautiful, centuries-old service of prayer before sleep. It is a perfect way to end the day by entrusting ourselves to God’s care.

Get a Copy

  • Digital: You can download the full BCP 2019 PDF here for free.

  • App: Search for the "Daily Office 2019" app on your phone for an easy-to-use guide.

  • Print: Hard copies are available for purchase online, or ask a greeter on Sunday about borrowing one to get started.