I had a lot of trouble reading this book because it was not TTS enabled. BUT. I got enough out of it (especially the Book's history) to know that I wanted a permanent copy for myself. So I did get one!
I requested and received a free temporary copy from InterVarsity Press/IVP via NetGalley. Thanks for encouraging me to get my own copy!
#Episcopalian #Anglican

As I have an interest in the Book of Common Prayer I was delighted to be able to read and review this new book. I have always enjoyed the language of the BCP but at times found the structure and history somewhat confusing. However this book was very helpful in explaining those areas I struggled with. The many references will guide new and experienced users of the BCP to a more thorough understanding of the meaning of prayer and preparation for The Lord’s Supper. I also found the chapters on Baptism, Marriage and Burial useful and fully explained. I particularly found the chapter on the history of BCP very interesting from its inception to the present. The bibliography at the back of the book is also very helpful for anyone who is interested in further study of the BCP. I strongly recommend reading this book to all users of the BCP as they will find it both instructive and will also enrich their understanding of their relationship with God.

This is a very helpful orientation to the Book of Common Prayer 1662, , I found the first chapter particularly helpful, focussing on why liturgy is helpful and a positive supportive structure for the Christian life rather than a straitjacket. The intentions of the original authors of the BCP are clearly laid out and comprehensively explored, which helps to draw out the distinctly Anglican of this most Anglican document. Although I still prefer the Episcopalian BCP 1979 for daily use, I now understand better the structure and intentions of the BCP 1662.

A Very Valuable Book of Prayers

The authors begin by defining the word "Liturgy". They state that it means that the words said by the people and the minister (except for the sermon) are written down in advance, and the words usually don’t change from service to service. Thus, Liturgy is scripted, not improv. They state that people are drawn to liturgy for varied reasons, such as:
1. Liturgical prayers allow us to pray not only by ourselves, but with other Christians.
2. Liturgical prayers give us words to say when we have none.
3. Liturgical prayers allow us to say “Amen” with confidence.
4. Liturgy helps us remember that worship is serious business.
5. Liturgy is a framework for hearing the word of God.
6. Liturgical prayers offer protection for the laity.
7. The best liturgical prayers have a simple, sturdy beauty.
8. Liturgical prayers can become inscribed in our memories.

Furthermore, the authors discusses the origin of the prayer book, how to use it, and provides various daily readings and prayers.

This is a wealth of information and liturgy prayers. I highly recommend this book.

A great introduction to liturgical worship and the Book of Common Prayer.

Bray and Keane begin with a chapter on liturgy in general, putting forward 8 reasons to be drawn to liturgy: 1) It connects one to other Christians across time and space (contra. the individualistic brand of Christianity popular today); 2) Liturgy gives us the words to say when we have none, such as in times of grief; 3) The congregation can follow and say "Amen" to prayers with confidence rather than not knowing whether they can join in the prayer until they've heard it all as it might not be theologically sound (a point shared by C.S. Lewis); 4) Liturgy helps remind the congregation that worship is serious and holy, not to be treated lightly; 5) Liturgy sets a framework for Scripture to be publicly read; 6) Liturgy protects the laity from a minister's private biases, personal opinions, or even errors; 7) Liturgical prayers are beautifully crafted; and 8) Liturgical prayers can be memorised and internalised, which eventually forms and changes the person.

Bray and Keane then go through a brief history of the Book of Common Prayer, beginning from the continental Reformation to Edward VI's ascent, Cranmer's crafting of the Book of Common Prayer (by drawing from various sources including translating ancient prayers and liturgies from other reformers), its introduction by Cranmer and suppression by Queen Mary, restoration by Elizabeth I and suppression (again) by the Puritan Parliament during the English Civil War, and its eventual return with Charles II.

The rest of the book walks through the prayer book itself, offering commentary at various points. For example, when going through the opening of the Morning and Evening Prayer, Bray and Keane bring out the beauty of the prayer of confession, commenting:
"In the first half of the general confession we descend step by step into the depths of sin, until we hit bottom with “And there is no health in us.” There is no hedging or qualification. It is a radical admission that we are sick, and that to find healing we must look outside ourselves. The next word, “But,” signals a shift from human failure to divine intervention (like in Ephesians 2:4)." (p 32)

Then follows the absolution, where "the minister declares the gospel, stating the terms of forgiveness and offering hope and assurance to all those who turn from sin and cling to Christ Jesus." (p 33) I cannot summarise all their commentary, but I found Bray and Keane's comments insightful at multiple junctures. For example, on the importance of the placement of the creed – it follows after Scripture reading because it is a response to hearing the Scriptures, and the prayers follow after the creed because, as St Augustine says, "Faith is the fountain of prayers".

Bray and Keane also offer brief histories of the Athanasian Creed, the litany (both in Chapter 4), as well as an introduction to sacramental theology (in Chapter 5, in introducing the concept of a sacrament before walking through Baptism). I absolutely love the way they describe Holy Communion in Chapter 6 – an ascent into heaven (pp 87-94). A great reminder of what the sacrament is, and what it is not (a "bare memorial", which Bray, Keane, and the Anglican formularies reject (p 94), but which many Christians (sadly) hold to today, expressly or substantially).

Chapter 7 explains the place of Scripture in the liturgy (daily readings, Communion readings, and Sunday readings), such as why the lectionary (for Morning and Evening Prayer) has certain quirks such as not including the Psalms (since they are used in other parts as expressions of praise, and the readings are meant to instruct the congregation in the absence of a sermon). In summary, the Book of Common Prayer guides one through three ways of reading Scripture:
"The daily readings lay a foundation of biblical literacy. This is how we learn what’s in the Bible, from cover to cover. The Communion readings are short but deep. They teach us the essential doctrines of the church, emphasizing the life of Christ, and our life in Christ. And the Sunday first lessons give us the high points of the Old Testament, not only marking out the long sweep of the narrative from the patriarchs to the prophets, but also teaching us how to read the Old Testament in light of the New." (pp 107-108)

Of course, as with any discussion of a Reformation document concerning Scripture, Bray and Keane also briefly touch on the debate between Protestants and Roman Catholics on the authority of Scripture.

Chapter 8 explains how the Book of Common Prayer works through the church year, beginning from Advent, moving into Epiphanytide and Lent, and then Trinity Sunday and Trinitytide/ordinary time, where every Sunday after Trinity explores a different theme from the epistles, helpfully laid out at pp 134-135.

Lastly, Chapter 9 touches on the saints' days, and Bray and Keane helpfully explain that we do not give them any worship or veneration that belongs to God alone, but rather "The lives of the saints [are] vivid pictures of the body of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit." (p 140) Indeed, some collects for saints' days were changed from their Medieval counterparts – instead of praying for a saint's protection, for example, one would instead affirm God's acts in the saint's life, and praying to God along those lines (e.g. for faith without doubt on St Thomas' feast day).

Though I am not an Anglican, I have benefitted greatly from praying the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and the ACNA 2019 Book of Common Prayer. I thus wholeheartedly agree with Bray and Keane on the benefits of the prayer book, especially with regards to spiritual formation and the knowledge that one who prays with these prayers prays together with a whole host of saints, from early church fathers to reformers to modern figures like John Wesley. I share Bray and Keane's joy that "in the last few years, there has been a growing interest among Protestants, especially among young evangelicals, in liturgical worship" (p 2), and this book is one I would recommend to anyone who finds themselves interested in liturgical worship, young or not, evangelical or otherwise. "The Book of Common Prayer offers a well of Christian devotion" (p 163), and I invite you to come drink from this deep well of Christian tradition.

This is a very well written introduction to the Book of Common Prayer, as well as Anglicanism broadly. Of course, as a big tent, each church is going to have its own ways of using and applying the Book of Common Prayer (also partially determined by which version they're using); however, this book is so comprehensive. The authors weave historical context throughout the book to explain why certain things were included and excluded or changed over the years. If you've ever been curious about Anglicanism, definitely add this book to your reading list.

As a fairly recent devotee of The Book of Common Prayer, I found this book to be helpful and informative. It was not only instructional, but also a commentary to some extent, and the writing style was very readable and somewhat conversational. I particularly enjoyed reading about the history of the BCP.
One problem I noticed is that, since the book is using the international version of The Book of Common Prayer, the page numbers referred to throughout the book are not helpful unless you are using that specific version. The book description does not make it clear that the international version is what is being used, although it does state that the authors edited the international version. Below is a quote from the book description:

"In How to Use the Book of Common Prayer, Samuel Bray and Drew Keane (editors of The 1662 Book of Common [Prayer] International Edition) introduce the classic Prayer Book to newcomers.”

I read this in e-book format and it did not include a glossary, which I found disappointing. Perhaps it was because I read it as an advanced reader copy. Hopefully, the glossary will appear in the finalized version of the e-book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I first requested this book because I have Anglican friends who have mentioned liturgy and prayer, and I’ve heard their testimonies of how that has helped their spiritual walk. I am not Anglican, but I am a Christian. This book thoroughly educated me on the reason for it, the meaning behind it, and the importance of practicing it, using the prayer book hand-in-hand with The Bible and the liturgical calendar.

I have received a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my voluntary review.

This is a very well-written, beautifully put-together little book. I have already recommended it to my mother-in-law. It is simple, easy to use, and has good explanations for the reasons for every part of the BCP. I liked the historical inclusions as well. So important!

As a Lutheran, I also appreciated that the clarity of the explanations highlighted the similarities and differences between our two denominations. Well done!

This is an excellent resource for those seeking to understand and implement the Book Of Common Prayer in to their spiritual life. It both gives the background to how the prayer book came into being and a thorough guide on who to use it. The BCP is still as relevant today as it was when it was written. The book is easy to read but impactful and insightful in equal measure. I have ordered myself a copy of the BCP and look forward to using it in conjunction with this excellent work by Mssrs. Bray and Keene.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into the pages of "How to Use the Book of Common Prayer" by Samuel L. Bray and Drew Nathaniel Keane, and it's my pleasure to share how this guide is an illuminating companion for those seeking to embrace the richness of the Book of Common Prayer.

From the outset, Bray and Keane demonstrate a genuine passion for their subject matter. It's evident that they approach the Book of Common Prayer not just as a historical artifact but as a living, breathing guide to a deeper, more intentional spiritual life. This enthusiasm is infectious, making the reader excited to embark on the journey of exploration alongside these knowledgeable guides.

One of the book's standout qualities is its exceptional clarity. The authors skillfully navigate the intricate landscape of the Book of Common Prayer, breaking down its components in a manner that is both accessible and comprehensive. Whether you're a newcomer or someone familiar with the text, the step-by-step instructions, accompanied by helpful insights, ensure a smooth and enriching experience.

What sets this guide apart is its balanced approach. While it provides practical instructions for utilizing the Book of Common Prayer in various settings, it also weaves in historical context and theological significance, offering readers a holistic understanding of this venerable liturgical resource. The depth of research and knowledge on display is impressive, making this book not just a manual but a well-rounded exploration of the subject matter.

The writing style is engaging, striking a perfect balance between informative and inviting. Bray and Keane have a knack for making potentially complex concepts digestible, and their enthusiasm infuses the text with warmth. The inclusion of personal anecdotes adds a relatable touch, making the guide feel like a conversation with knowledgeable friends rather than a dry instructional manual.

In conclusion, "How to Use the Book of Common Prayer" is a gem for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice through the use of this timeless liturgical text. Bray and Keane's expertise, coupled with their genuine passion, make this guide not just informative but a joy to read. I wholeheartedly recommend it to individuals and communities looking to embark on a transformative journey with the Book of Common Prayer.

When I was a child, my grandmother gave me her copy of The Book of Common Prayer, which her own grandmother gave her in the 1930s. It has followed me from apartment to apartment for my entire adult life, but I was always a bit intimidated when it came to actually praying from it. How to Use the Book of Common Prayer inspired me to dive in and start using it. The authors explain in plain language the history of The Book of Common Prayer, why it is effective, and exactly what each element of the morning and evening liturgy means. This book also covers Anglican ceremonies like baptism and confirmation. I would recommend this book to cradle Anglicans looking to dive deeper into their own faith tradition, as well as to evangelical and non-denominational Christians who are curious about liturgy.

This is a helpful introduction to the Book of Common Prayer. In the first chapter of this book, the authors outline the differences between liturgical and non-liturgical church services. They also speak of a rising interest amongst Protestants and evangelicals in liturgical worship. I am in this category! As a follower of Jesus Christ, who came to faith in a Pentecostal church, I have become increasingly aware of how broad the Church is in recent years. While I still value my Pentecostal roots, I want to learn and grow from the wisdom and gifts of my wider Christian family. I have my copy of the BCP but struggled to know how to use it - this book is exactly what I was looking for. I have learned a lot and been helped a lot by this guide. It helped me to understand that the BCP records prayers that go back to the Reformation and many back as far as the 600s. While there are times I think the authors "overreach" considerably in their opinions on spontaneous prayer, they are still helpful in explaining an understanding that is different to mine.

A useful book that I recommend to anyone who wishes to understand how to use the Book of Common Prayer.

Coming from a non-liturgical background, I have always found beauty in the liturgies whenever I have been exposed to them. Lately, I have even been looking into incorporating some of the practices into my own spiritual life, and to that end, I had recently purchased my own book of common prayer, but when it arrived had no idea what to do with it. Then I discovered this book and was really excited to read it to hopefully understand the BCP more and be able to use it myself. The writing was easy to digest and went into enough detail that I should be able to use the insights I gathered to guide me in the use of the BCP in the future, Some of what this book describes still seems a little confusing, but I think that is because I don't yet have the foundation of use of the book which will come with time as this book says. I also really enjoyed the history included, as it really makes the practices encouraged by this book make more sense in the larger Christian faith.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own,

As someone who has never used the Common Prayer book, I was curious to learn more. I was hoping that this particular book would contain the prayers and Bible passages in the book, but it does not. In order to apply this book, you will need your own Book of Common Prayer in your hands as well. This how to book does contain interesting information such as its history (something I’ve wondered about), how to read the Bible with the prayer book, and using the prayer book during the year.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is just excellent. An easy read, explaining the Book of Common Prayer and the rhythms of the services so well and in such simple language. It is a reference book for use alongside morning prayer, evening prayer and the Eucharist, but also as a book to read for pleasure. The reference to the bible and to Cranmer et al is fascinating and helpful is linking worship to the Word, the life of the apostles and Jesus and to the events that happened along the way that shaped language, worship and the ordering of our prayer life.

How to Use the Book of Common Prayer is a resource every Anglican or Episcopalian should appreciate. While this volume uses the 1662 edition that is used in the Church of England, this reader found that the information given about the purposes of each reading designed to prepare the participants for the lessons and give guidance to a deeper understanding of scripture can be followed in all versions of the prayer book. The short history of how the Prayer book came to be is very interesting for readers who are unfamiliar with Henry VIII’s split with Rome, the beginnings of the Protestant revolution and the subsequent upheaval in the monarchy. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

This is a wonderful introduction to the BCP, and therefore any Anglican Liturgy that has followed. It is rich in information without being stodgy or overwhelming. I will be recommending this to all newly ordained curates so they can build on their foundational knowledge of liturgy.