What Is the Book of Common Prayer and How Can Seniors of Faith Use It?

Assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella offer prayer circles, but at times, quiet prayer is also needed. For these moments, the Book of Common Prayer may be of great help.

What Is the Book of Common Prayer?

The Book of Common Prayer was written in the 15th century as an accompaniment to sermons and church festivals. The author, Thomas Cranmer, was the Archbishop of Canterbury and wrote the majority of the book. He used the Sarum Missal as a guideline to ensure prayers coincided with common sermons and Christian festivals.

This prayer book was created at a time when there was great tumult in the world and still provides hope and guidance to this day. While hard copies are available for purchase in stores, there’s also a free online version.

Who Uses the Book of Common Prayer?

While the intended use of the book was for Anglican and Episcopal followers, anyone who finds themselves in need of structured prayer can use it. Christians across all denominations will find value in these simple yet eternal prayers.

When Would You Use the Book of Common Prayer?

There are several opportunities for the book to provide clear guidance for prayer.

Your Daily Prayer Life

There are several daily prayers you can choose from that range from morning, noon and nighttime prayers to evening worship prayers. For those who want to include their loved ones in the prayers, the daily devotions and collect are must-reads.

These readings start off with a scripture to meditate on, followed by a reading, a saying, the Lord’s Prayer and finally the collect.

During a Church Service

During service, especially if you’re in an Anglican church, the priest or deacon will lead you through a series of prayers called litanies. These are used to petition the Lord and require a fixed response from the petitioners. An excerpt of one of these prayers reads:

O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon us.

The latter part, printed in Italics, would be the part parishioners would say.

Traditional Litanies

Traditional litanies are those used during certain times of the year. For instance, there are litanies that cover the Sundays of Advent, Christmas Sunday, the Epiphany of our Lord and other events that mark the Christian calendar. While these prayers are often used by the priest or deacon, they’re also used by those who want to honor God through auspicious events. These litanies can be used as a preface for meditation and quiet contemplation in preparation for personal or family celebrations.

Holy Baptism

Many are familiar with holy baptism, which happens when young infants are baptized and their parents speak for them. However, adult baptism is deemed a special and honorific experience. The Book of Common Prayer has prayers devoted to the event. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and during this event, it’s believed that the Holy Spirit descended on him. For Christians, baptism is a special acknowledgment of this gift of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to walk in the ways of the Lord.

A Time to Heal

Sickness and disease are not part of God’s plan for our lives. While medical intervention is imperative, it’s also important to dedicate time to prayer. The Book of Common Prayer has prayers for church leaders to pray when they visit the sick, but these prayers also provide peace to those whose loved ones are affected. When you find yourself or your loved ones in a season of ill health, the litanies can be a source of comfort if you’re at a loss for what to pray.

Grief

One thing that increases as we age is the sense of loss experienced through death. During our senior years, it’s common for us to have lost loved ones who were once very dear, such as parents, siblings and best friends. God is merciful in his grace, and through prayer, we can tap into the peace and comfort that only he provides. The Book of Common Prayer provides prayers at the time of death, after death and during the vigil.

While the prayers are meant for God to receive the deceased home, you can use the prayers for yourself too. Simply pray the following prayer as a lament for your loss: “God the Father, have mercy on your servant. God the Son, have mercy on your servant. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on your servant.”

Marriage

Marriage late in life is still a blessed event. The vows are a sacred prayer and a commitment that’s heard by the witnesses, both in spirit and flesh, of the covenant between the married couple and God.

Birth

One of the most blessed events in a senior’s life is the birth of their grandchildren. The Book of Common Prayer has several prayers to deal with birth. For seniors, these prayers can also act as thanksgiving for their grandchildren.