The Book of Common Prayer

The Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, PhD, is canon to the presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, a noted scholar in the worldwide Anglican Communion and distinguished visiting professor at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Dr. Robertson serves on several national boards and has published many books and articles (see www.ckrobertson.com), including The Book of Common Prayer: A Spiritual Treasure Chest—Selections Annotated & Explained; A Dangerous Dozen: 12 Christians Who Threatened the Status Quo but Taught Us to Live Like Jesus (both SkyLight Paths); Transforming Stewardship; Jesus and Paul: Global Perspectives and Conversations with Scripture: The Acts of the Apostles. He has worked extensively with the U.S. Department of Education, the White House and in the film and television industry. He is a respected speaker on leadership development and conflict management. The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori is the presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. She became the Anglican Communion's first female primate in 2006. She is the author of The Heartbeat of God: Finding the Sacred in the Middle of Everything, Gathering at God's Table: The Meaning of Mission in the Feast of Faith (both SkyLight Paths) and other books. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, renowned South African activist and cleric, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism in 1986, the Gandhi Peace Prize in 2005, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, among other honors.

Foreword vii
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori


Preface ix
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu


Introduction xi


1. A Life of Prayer 1
2. Belonging and Building Relationships 45
3. Blessing in Times of Joy and Pain 93
4. Called to Serve 119
5. Praise and Petition 145


Using the Prayer Book as a Spiritual Tool 167


Suggestions for Further Reading 170