Book Of Common Prayer

The worship book of the Anglican Church since its inception in 1549. Commonly called the "prayer book," commonly abbreviated as the BCP, the Book of Common Prayer is a collection of classic and contemporary prayers, devotions, services and psalms designed to allow the entire Church to worship in common union. There have been variations and revisions down through the ages and across the world, but the basic structure and liturgy are very similar.

1928 Prayer Book - A version of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer used by some in the United States, in use from 1928 to 1976. Some services from this prayer book were modified and inserted in the current prayer book (1979) as "Rite I" services. The 1928 Book of common Prayer was the last of the American prayer books to offer nationwide unified common Sunday worship (only one form available for Eucharist and one form for Morning Prayer).

1979 Prayer Book – A significant revision of the prayer book for use by some in the United States. Begun in the late 1960's with numerous and often controversial trial liturgies, compiled in 1976 as the Proposed Book of Common Prayer, and ratified by 1979. The book attempted to retain traditional liturgies while incorporating many additional forms of worship. Mandated by the authorities for its exclusive usage, it thus alienated many traditional parishioners who, in the 2000's, still refer to the book as the "new" prayer book. The book has the distinction of being copyright free, so that its pages may be used by anyone at any time.