“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)
“So Jesus told them, ‘When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come…”’” — Luke 11:2 (BSB)
“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” — Hebrews 12:28 (BSB)
The liturgy draws from Scripture and echoes the worship of the apostles and early Christians. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray with specific words (“When you pray, say…”), and the early Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the prayers.” The Book of Common Prayer collects and organizes these patterns, guiding the Church in worship that is faithful, rich, and consistent.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “We use a liturgy because it teaches us how to worship rightly. It’s not a straitjacket—it’s a framework that carries us when we are weak and shapes us when we are strong.”
Bishop Keith Ackerman (Diocese of Quincy, ACNA) explains, “The liturgy is the Church’s common language of worship. It links us to generations of believers, guards against error, and opens space for the Holy Spirit to work through Word and Sacrament.”
J.C. Ryle defended the proper use of liturgy, saying, “A sound liturgy, filled with scriptural truth and humble prayer, is a great safeguard for public worship. It reminds us of what is most important, whether the preacher is faithful or not.” (Knots Untied, 1874)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) teaches, “The liturgy roots us. In an age of distraction and self-focus, it draws our attention upward—to the throne of grace—and invites us to worship in spirit and in truth.”
Using a liturgy does not mean worship is lifeless or mechanical. When prayed with faith and attentiveness, it helps form our hearts in repentance, joy, reverence, and thanksgiving. It is a tool for discipleship, grounding us in the Gospel week by week.
St. Hippolytus of Rome (c. 215 AD): “Let the bishop give thanks in the manner we have prescribed… and the people shall say, Amen.” — Apostolic Tradition, 4
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “The prayers we offer in the liturgy are not random words—they are drawn from Scripture and the apostolic tradition. They lift the soul to God.” — Catechetical Lectures, 23.5
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Let us cling to the form of sound words passed down to us. In the liturgy, we learn to worship as one Body and confess one faith with one voice.” — Sermon 272
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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