Thomas Cranmer's Prayer Book of 1549 is a foundational document of the Anglican Church and a priceless part of English-speaking Christianity. Cranmer's unique gift of blending theological substance wi
Thomas Cranmer's Prayer Book of 1549 is a foundational document of the Anglican Church and a priceless part of English-speaking Christianity. Cranmer's unique gift of blending theological substance with simple, humble, and moving clarity has made the Collects (prayers) essential not only to the English liturgy but also to the pastoral tradition of the church: these prayers still remain a deep source of inspiration for Christians enmeshed in the everyday trials and testings of life.
Published on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer, The Collects of Thomas Cranmer presents this spiritually rich material in its original form and order. Compiled and presented for devotional use by C. Frederick Barbee and Paul F. M. Zahl, Cranmer's Collects are each followed by succinct commentary on their historical context and an insightful meditation crafted with contemporary Christians in mind.
Including a significant introduction to Cranmer and his work by C. FitzSimons Allison, this beautifully produced volume opens afresh Cranmer's classic devotional treasure to modern believers from all communions.
Diarmaid MacCulloch
-- in Sixteenth Century Journal
"For those who are interested in the way that the sixteenth-century Reformation interacts with contemporary theological concerns, there is much to ponder in this slim volume."
Library Journal
"This lovingly prepared edition of the Anglican Collects, or short prayers, which first appeared in this form in the Book of Common Prayer of 1549, should pique the interest of both religion scholars and devout communicants. . . Recommended for most collections, especially those strong in Christian spirituality."
George Carey
-- former Archbishop of Canterbury
"Thomas Cranmer was a master of the English language, and the Prayer Book is an essential element of the rich legacy of faith, devotion, and liturgy that belong to our heritage. . . This edition of the Collects will bring the prayers to life in a new way for many. In particular, I am struck by the meditations based on each of the Collects. . . I thank Barbee and Zahl for this gift and commend the book warmly."
Peter J. Gomes
-- Harvard University
"How we long for language that inspires as well as instructs, whose economy is both chaste and capacious, and by the use of which we are made aware of holy and lovely things. This was the imperishable gift of Thomas Cranmer to the English church. Now a generation willfully deprived of this great inheritance may receive it again at the careful hands of Barbee and Zahl."
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