What Prayers Do
Episcopalians Commonly Use?
There are a number of prayers used by Episcopalians and those used vary in
some ways from parish to parish. The common prayers, however, may be found in
the Book of Common Prayer; the official standard.
Prayer is more than asking; it is the basis of a relationship
with the God who loves us. "Every sincere prayer is answered," writes Bishop
Porter. "It may not be answered in the way we wish, for our Heavenly Father
knows what is best. At the time we may be disappointed, but when we get the long
look ― a proper perspective ―
we realize that He is wise and loving and good, and that all things work
together for good to those who love God. In addition, true prayer helps to make
us more efficient in our daily tasks; it enables us to rise superior to needless
fears and anxiety; and it gives to us a sense of inner joy, serenity, and
peace."
The More Common Prayers Include-
Used by the Episcopal Church in its worship day by day and week by week.
The Creeds
There are two creeds in the Prayer Book: the Apostles' Creed
and the Nicene Creed. In a simple and direct way, both state the belief of the
Church. The Creeds bear witness to the Holy Trinity, that is, God has revealed
himself in three ways, as "God the Father, maker of heaven and earth," as "Jesus
Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit, God working through
history in the lives of men and women, strengthening, inspiring, and helping.
When we recite the creeds of the church, we are expressing the
faith of the whole Church as held through the centuries. Some of the language of
the creeds is symbolic rather than literal ( "...the right hand of God", for
example) since figurative language is often the only way to express spiritual
concepts).
The Lord's Prayer
Jesus gave the Lord's Prayer to his disciples in response to
their request that he teach them to pray. It is the great prayer of the Church
and is used at every service. Besides serving as a perfect prayer in itself, it
is also a guide to prayer, expressing petition, adoration, confession, and
thanksgiving.
