In this post, I will pass on an invaluable lesson that my Episcopal Priest shared in a Bible Study this week. In jest, he called the following his Cliff Notes Version of the Book of Common Prayer, and it is exactly that–and more 

An Online Version of The Book of Common Prayer: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/book-of-common-prayer-2006.pdf

Where to Find What in the Book of Common Prayer:

• Morning Prayers for Rite I begin on page. 37 of the Book of Common Prayer.
• Morning Prayers for Rite II begin on page. 75 of the Book of Common Prayer.
• Noonday Prayers and Service begin  on page 61 of the Book of Common Prayer
• Evening Prayers for Rite I begin  on page 103 of the Book of Common Prayer
• Evening Prayers for Rite II begin  on page 115 of the Book of Common Prayer

How I Have Improved My Daily Prayer Life through Use of The Book of Common Prayer

I grew up as a Southern Baptist, and because of that group’s disdain for the Catholic Church and its Rosary Prayers, I assume that the old-time Baptists would also be suspicious of The Book of Common Prayer. Perhaps that is one reason that it has taken me a while to grasp the true value of the writings in The Book of Common Prayer.

Along the way, however, my personal prayer life became parched. Having been part of many prayer groups I throughout my life, I became suspicious of extemporaneous prayers that often seemed worded more for the benefit of the other people listening to the prayer than as an effort to communicate with God.

I have discovered that the Book of Common Prayer includes writings froatm the Psalms, and it also includes numerous prayers that can be praye- starts for  fledgling prayers. I have started a program of focusing on prayer-like readings that help center me and focus my thoughts so that sincere prayers that evolve from readngs and prayers in The Book of Common Prayer.

The Following Is from the Daily Morning Prayers Rite One, pages 44-46.  Notice how easy a personal prayer could evolve from the following thoughts:

For years, I have gone into my garden and reflected informally there.Many times, I have talked to God in my garden, where the beauty of His creation surrounds me:

Morning is the time that I’ll seek to do my formal praying. I am freshest in the morning, and my mind is more alert then. I hope to share some of the words that touch me.

The Bible contains several references to Prayers in the Morning:

• • Psalm 5:3

    “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” 
  • Psalm 118:24

    “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” 
  • Psalm 143:8

    “Let me hear in the morning of your unfailing love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”