1979 Book of Common Prayer: Economy Edition

Here I am daring to comment on this wonderful book, used by Episcopalians and one of the prayer and rubric publications that unite Anglicans worldwide. (There are about 77 million Anglicans in the world, and most have their own "version" of this wonderful and inspired book, though perhaps this specific size of which I write and this specific American version, may not be familiar to them all.)My copy that is this size, and at a similar good price as this one (take advantage of a good offer, by the way), has been used by me for about ten or so years. It's been a durable book, though worn now and the leather cover warped, despite my treating it from time to time. But then I carry it in my car, and sometimes leave it on the seat where the sun hits it. Nonetheless, it has proved durable.There are so many personal uses for the prayer book, and touching on some of them, it is important for me to note in this recitation, that the primary purpose of this version of "The Book of Common Prayer" for me is taking it to nursing, hospital, and similar places (including home visits), to administer home Communion. It is an excellent size for traveling, and as I may not have mentioned, also offers the complete book with all the prayers and this includes, "Communion under Special Circumstances," used in the Episcopal Church for bringing home communion.As a licensed lay Minister in my Church, and as an Oblate, I am always moved and informed by the same words from that shared, intimate service. To give you reader, an idea of the character of the book, here is a quote from the beginning prayer of the "Communion under Special Circumstances.""Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrement of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen."There is flexibility in the prayers, and the rubrics allow the lay minister or clergy administering the Eucharist to do the following: "After the reading [found before the opening prayer quoted above], the Celebrant may comment on it briefly." Also, "Suitable prayers may be offered, concluding with the following or some other Collect."My opinion is the book, both a religious, spiritually literary, and inspired work, encourages spiritual discussion of a religious nature after or before the words of the service. In this way, the Eucharist is a community or communion activity, where the idea of sharing the Church experience is enlarged in the presence of God and man.When I visit the elderly, especially the frail elderly in my visits, I sometimes share Psalms. The book contains all 150 Psalms, its own translation, of course. This one is a favorite of mine, not only because of its familiarity, but as well because it is a kind of statement about the journey and ministry with which I am engaged in this pastoral relationship:Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherdI shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pasturesand leads me beside still waters.He revives my souland guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I shall fear no evil;for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me;you have anointed my head with oil,and my cup is running over.Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.This is a good place to end the review.--Peter Menkin, Pentecost, 2008 (August)

At first I thought this’BCP’ was too small to be usable. But, on closer look, the print is small, but so well presented I think it is very readable. The book size is small enough that it will fit in any travel bag. So, first check that this size book and print are ok for you. The book itself is beautifully made, the cover is smooth and flexible, the pages slide well and the text looks great.This is the complete current Episcopal church Book of Common Prayer, so it’s the same text American Episcopalians use daily/weekly in church, whether it’s Rite one or Rite two. For me the best part of the bcp are the prayers. The book is 1,001 small pages of great prayers. Including a fine translation of the psalms. There are formal liturgy for every occasion. There are guides for prayer throughout the day, and prayers for every situation and time in life.I’m biased, but it’s my experience that Episcopalians are good at prayer, and very good at writing prayers. I hope you find this helpful.

This little prayer book is SO sweet! Just the right size! The text is rather small but works for me with my readers, no different from any text size these days. My 10 year old granddaughter will carry this sweet little book down the isle with "Blessing of the Hands" reading tucked inside until it is her time to read at my upcoming wedding. Can't think of anything more special! By the way the page numbers correspond to the larger prayer books used in the church...never fear with this one. The pages are rice paper thin yet good quality and gold edged, no less! You will appreciate this little gem!!

As a newly minted Episcopalian, I have come to like the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) very much. In fact, I use it almost exclusively alongside my Bible for my daily devotions. I bought this 1979 BCP Economy Edition because I wanted something small and portable that I could carry with my Bible when I'm away from home.This 1979 BCP Economy Edition fills my requirements perfectly. It's a great size for portability (approximately 6.5" x 4.75" x 1"), so I can slip it easily into the same carry case as my Bible. Despite its diminutive size, the font is plenty large enough for me to read easily.The binding is glued, and the cover is made from a faux leather material. It comes with one thin black ribbon marker, and the page edges are stained with a gold-colored paint. The paper seems quite durable.Overall, this 1979 BCP Economy Edition does seem to be well made. I should be able to get several years of use from it before it wears out. Recommended.

The media could not be loaded. Just what I needed. It’s beautiful and good quality.

Although not Episcopalian by training, choice or conversion, there truly is no equivalent to this beautiful volume. This book placed in the hands of the common people the ability to pray without having an earthly priest/intercessor praying on your behalf. Some of the language (at least in this edition) tends to be more arcane than other more "updated" BCPs. If you don't like "thee" and "thou" then look for an edition approved by the Episcopal Church where the language has been updated without losing the majesty. The book is small and the print is small. There are larger print editions. I do wish there was a more expanded section for personal prayers. The leather cover is flexible and just feels good in the hand. If you are not Episcopalian there will be rites and readings that are not applicable. This gem has ushered in a significant change in how I view and approach prayer. The reason I gave the book a 4 star was only due to wishing for an expanded section on intercessory prayers for use by an ill person when praying for themselves. I would encourage anybody who has not familiarized themselves with BCP to begin using it on a regular basis. It has been a life and a prayer changer for me.