88 of 92 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Outstanding New Breviary, 9 Aug 2005
This review is from: Common Worship: Daily Prayer (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England) (Hardcover)
The Church of England's Liturgical Commission and Church House Publishing are to be congratulated for the outstanding work done in producing the definitive edition of "Common Worship: Daily Prayer." This revision of the Church's daily round of prayer should set the standard for other revisions throughout the Anglican Communion. Particularly noteworthy is the overall structure of these offices, their flexibility, and the tone and mood set with each seasonal variation. You begin to wonder at how so much could be included in so small a book! I especially appreciate the many scriptural canticles (pp. 548-644) and the options of beginning Morning Prayer with "The Acclamation of Christ at the Dawning of the Day" (p. 108) and Evening Prayer with the ancient ceremony of the "Blessing of Light" (p. 110).
While much that is good can be found here, there are also some things which, to my mind, require closer scrutiny. Verse 3 of Psalm 3 (p. 651) where God is referred to as "the lifter up of my head" and verse 2b of Psalm 115 (p. 823) "Where is now their God" seem awkward and unfortunate renderings. Because of their importance to these offices, a thorough review of the Psalms for translation and euphony is in order (while not perfect, the inclusive language version of the Grail Psalms might be considered). Most of the Forms of Intercession (pp. 366-399) are absolutely right on (see pp. 376, 394-395) while some need further work (see p. 374, which strikes me at least as too wordy and preachy).
These minor problems should not, however, detract from the great achievement overall of "Common Worship: Daily Prayer"--to make available to the ordained and non-ordained alike a round of daily prayer that is simple enough to be used widely, flexible enough to allow for local adaptation, and of ample inspiration and appeal as to invite use in daily prayer. I will continue to use it as part of my own daily spiritual discipline.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, 5 Mar 2009
This review is from: Common Worship: Daily Prayer (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England) (Hardcover)
This is an excellent collection of Offices and prayers, it is rich in variety and is easy to use once you get the hang of it. It is a great buy and I use it every day.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book has transformed my prayer life., 6 July 2010
This review is from: Common Worship: Daily Prayer (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England) (Hardcover)
Once I worked out how to use it, this book has transformed my prayer life. It's really flexible so you can use the four services a day or just one. It's great for getting to grips with liturgy and scripture, and I'd recommend it for all those who are seeking to become more intentional about their prayer life, because this structure is a brilliant guide. I feel much more connected with my Christian heritage as well.
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