One-third of The Prayer Book is either a book of the Bible (The Psalms) or a guide to reading the Bible.  The rest of The Prayer Book is based on the Bible.

The Book of Common Prayer tells us that the ministers of the Church are “lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons” (page 855).  All four are called to represent Christ and his Church and all are given certain tasks to either witness, guard, pastor or serve. 

Changes in historical development of our understandings of Christian belief and practice are seen through revisions of The Book of Common Prayer.

The Prayer Book is a living liturgy.  It will always be changed to reflect the historical situation in which it is used.  It will also frame those fundamental symbols of our faith that represent for us the mysteries of Christ’s Incarnation and Passion; the water of Baptism, the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

The first Prayer Book in the English language was published in England in 1549.

To view the entire Book of Common Prayer click here.