Anglican Prayer Book
Overview
This subject is designed to help students grow in confidence to use an Anglican Prayer Book effectively in pastoral and evangelistic settings. It is worth 6 credit points, and is usually paired with CH016 Anglican Identity or another subject worth 6 credit points.
Please visit the timetable by clicking here for current information on subject availability.
Subject Details
| Mode |
On-Campus |
Online |
| Workload |
One semester, 6 credit points |
One semester, 6 credit points |
| Status |
Elective |
Elective |
| Subject Code |
PC085 (also available as CH020) |
PC085 (also available as CH020) |
| Prerequisites |
None |
None |
| Teacher |
Rhys Bezzant |
Rhys Bezzant |
Content
- Purpose of written liturgies – early church/medieval liturgies – shape of liturgies in Book of Common Prayer (BCP) – the ordained person and the liturgy (including reflections from experienced clergy on their spiritual journey)
- Development of the Anglican Prayer Book – History of the BCP and its rubrics – Australian Liturgy Commission and the compilation of APBA – Reflections from experienced clergy on their experience of change in liturgies since 1970s
- Shape and purpose of services of the Word (including welcome and praise) – Use and function of the lectionary – Indigenous lectionary – Reflections on turnaround in a parish from experienced clergy
- Prayer Services – shape and history such as monastic models/psalms/Reformation/ABPA – different types of prayers: intercessions/collects/litanies/laments – including reflections on pastoral value of psalms in worship and laments in worship from experienced clergy
- Baptism and communion services – Baptism services: structure/preparation/theology/tips for leading – Communion Services: structure/sacramental theology/preparation/confession – reflections on conducting baptism interviews from experienced clergy
- Pastoral Services – weddings + pastoral transitions – funerals + dismissals – reflections from experienced clergy on conducting weddings and funerals
Online students
Students enrolling in this unit are expected to arrange to lead at least two church services over the semester. Where possible, at least one of these should use the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) or A Prayer Book for Australia (APBA) or another liturgy authorised in your diocese. Students need to have access to a copy of A Prayer Book for Australia (APBA, both the red and green books) which are used frequently throughout this unit.
Study Expectations
In this subject you will grow in your capacity for liturgical leadership by watching videos on the history and practice of Anglican worship, by reflecting on your own experience of leading liturgical services, and by engaging with fellow students in class or in online forums where you discuss weekly readings. Your confidence and skills in leading Sunday services will be enhanced. Students should allow 4-5 hours study time per week for this subject.
Students will need to arrange to lead and receive feedback on their leading of at least two liturgical services during the teaching period.
