The Book of Common Prayer by Anonymous

The 1662 version of “The Book of Common Prayer” is one of the most important and widely read works in all of Christian and Western literature. Its prayers are found in ceremonies and services all over the world and have been translated into over 150 languages. The first common prayer book for the Anglican Church appeared in 1549 after the English Reformation and the break from Rome. It underwent several changes before the version in most common and enduring use was published in 1662 after the end of English Civil War. The full and lengthy name of the prayer book gives much information on what it contains: “The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the Church of England, Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, pointed as they are to be Sung or said in churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.” These prayers and services have become a part of the fabric of Western culture and are the familiar words of the important ceremonies, including weddings, baptisms, and funerals, that mark the milestones of millions of lives.