Fr. Howie is writing a series of “Praying Shapes Believing” articles that appear in our weekly Sunday worship bulletins. Whether it is your first time, or your thousandth, reading, reciting, and praying the traditional Rite II worship from the Book of Common Prayer, it is worthwhile to ask why. We will examine some of our prayers and collects to help us find more meaning and connection in the ritual. See all topics in the Praying Shapes Believing series.
The Prayers of the People
Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications… In peace, let us pray to the Lord…
What is it?
The prayers of the people is a structured way of naming before God the cares and concerns and thanksgivings that we share as a community. In any one of many forms, it leads us to pray for the church, the world, our community, the sick and those in trouble, and the dead.
Why do we do it?
We are instructed to pray continually (I Thessalonians 5:17) and for all things (Philippians 4:6). Praying together reminds us of the concerns we share and of the Christian assembly’s call to serve God in the world.
What it says about God
God is present in every condition and concern of our lives.
We consecrate the world by bringing its joys and sorrows into worship.
Messages for how we live
Living the faithful life means making everything we do a prayer.
For more – Have a look at the Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions of Men (BCP, Pages 814-815). Overlooking the archaic language, what concerns do you find mentioned, and which would you add?