THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

The Book of Common Prayer is a Scriptural manual of worship and life. First compiled in English in 1549, by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (who was later burned at the stake for the sake of the Reformation), the Prayer Book is a summary of the faith and practice that Anglicans hold “in common” with each other and with the ancient Church.

Life and worship at St. Andrew’s are conducted according to a 20th century American edition of the Prayer Book (1928) and the King James Bible, produced in 1611 as the “authorized version” for use in Anglican services.

Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, martyr, reformer, and compiler of the Book of Common Prayer from Holy Scripture and ancient Christian sources

The Apostles’ Creed
(from the Book of Common Prayer)

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and of earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholic Church; The Communion of Saints: The forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body: And the Life everlasting. Amen.

A Note on Worship: There is nothing to be afraid of in the traditional worship and language of the Prayer Book. They may seem odd, at first, since we live in so secular a time. But these are the plain English words that have opened Christian hearts to God, and expressed the Gospel with crystal clarity, for 25 generations since the Reformation. They serve as well today, and any member of the congregation will be more than glad to help you get find your place in the Prayer Book and Hymnal.