What is the Book of Common Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the Anglican book of public worship. It contains the Daily Office, the Holy Communion, Baptism, Marriage, Burial and the Psalter, in the language of the people. First published by Thomas Cranmer in 1549, it has been revised by Anglican churches around the world, so there are many editions. In Portuguese it is called the Livro de Oração Comum (LOC).
A short history
The first Book of Common Prayer was published in England in 1549 and revised in 1552 and 1559. The 1662 edition remains a standard of doctrine and worship for the Church of England and the reference point for many later books.
As Anglicanism spread, each province prepared its own book: the Episcopal Church in the United States (1789, 1928, 1979), Canada (1962), the Church in Wales (1984), the Anglican Church in North America (2019) and many others, including books in Portuguese and Spanish.
What is inside
- The Daily Office: Morning and Evening Prayer, and in many books Midday Prayer and Compline
- The calendar, the collects and the lectionary
- The Holy Communion
- Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Burial
- The Psalter
- Prayers and thanksgivings for many occasions
How to choose an edition
- If you belong to a church, use the book it uses: you will pray with your community.
- If not, start with the edition of your language and tradition.
- Some books use traditional language and others contemporary language. Both are legitimate; choose the one you can pray.
- In Ordo you can switch books at any time and see how each one sets the same day.
Prayer books in Ordo
Ordo has more than 20 prayer books in five languages: Portuguese, European Portuguese, English, Spanish and Welsh. Each keeps its own calendar, lectionary and rules. The full list, with the offices each book offers, is in the Ordo library.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the LOC and the BCP?
None: they are the same kind of book in different languages. LOC stands for Livro de Oração Comum, the Portuguese name for the Book of Common Prayer.
Is there one official Book of Common Prayer?
No. Each Anglican province authorises its own book. The 1662 edition is the historical reference, but it is not the book in use in every church.
Do I need a printed copy to pray the office?
No. A printed book is good to have, but the Daily Office can be prayed from an app like Ordo, which arranges the texts and readings for each day.
Pray today's office
Ordo sets out today's office for the prayer book you choose. Free on iPhone, Android and the web.