In the 2019 Book of Common Prayer, we are given two beautiful options for the Prayers of the People. The first is found in the Anglican Standard Text, and the second is in the Renewed Ancient Text.
While the wording varies slightly, both forms uphold the traditional concerns of the Church. We pray for:
- The Universal Church and her mission.
- The nations and those in authority.
- The welfare of the world.
- The concerns of the local community.
- Those who suffer and those in any trouble.
- The departed.
Participation, Not Performance
One of the most distinct features of these prayers is that they are not meant to be a monologue. Both forms assume that the congregation will add their own specific intentions.
In the Anglican Standard Text, intentional silence is built in between petitions to allow for quiet, personal prayer. In the Renewed Ancient Text, the leader often invites the congregation to speak their petitions aloud. Typically led by a lay member of the parish, these prayers remind us that worship is the “work of the people” (leitourgia), not a performance by “religious professionals.”
Why We Pray “Through Jesus Christ”
If you look at the concluding sentence of the Prayers of the People, you will see a profound theological truth:
“Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate…”
Following the example of Christ, our prayer is addressed to the Father, in the name of the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that it is only through the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus that our conversation with God is made possible. He is the bridge that allows us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.
The Mystery and Power of Prayer
Prayer remains a holy mystery. We often find ourselves in the tension between the sovereign, all-knowing will of God and our own human desires. While we may never fully grasp the “mechanics” of how prayer works, we know that Christians are, by definition, people of prayer. Disciples of Jesus believe that our conversation with our Heavenly Father has a tangible effect on the world, our loved ones, and our own souls.
A Transformed Heart
The life of prayer doesn’t just change our circumstances; it changes us. This is why we are commanded to pray even for our enemies and those who persecute us. When we enter the presence of God, He begins to transform how we think and feel about the very problems we bring to Him. We cannot help but be changed when we come face-to-face with the Living God.
