Last time, we discussed the Word of God as central to our worship. I also mentioned some of our responses to hearing the word in our services, such as the Prayers of the People.
In past prayer book tradition, the prayers were read by the celebrant, the presider over the worship service. However, there is an even older tradition of having the prayers offered up by the deacon or the people.
There is great symbolic significance to having the prayers offered up by a lay person in the congregation. It is a reminder that these are the Prayers of the People. The prayers are meant to be the concerns and needs of the world that are brought into the church and offered up to God. That is also why the deacon is the first person listed as a possible leader, or intercessor, for these prayers. The deacon is set aside for the purpose of going out into the world to let the church know what needs need to be met.
There are many forms for prayers, or one could write one's own prayers with only a few requirements for what we must pray for:
- The Universal Church, Its members, and Its mission
- The Nation and those in Authority
- The Welfare of the World
- The Concerns of the Local Community
- Those who suffer and those in trouble
- The departed
Rite II offers many forms that can be used for the Prayers of the People, as well as instructions for people who wish to write their own. Many of these forms involve a call and response so that all the people can take an active role in the prayers. There is even a spot at the end of the prayers for the celebrant to say a short prayer, also known as a collect. It's a way that the celebrant can put her or his mark on the prayers as we lift them up together to God, and it fits in with the ancient format for the Prayers of the People in the church.
Further Reading:
- Hatchet, Marion. Commentary on the American Prayer Book. New York: Seabird Press, 1980.
- Mitchell, Leonel. Praying Shapes Believing: A Theological Commentary on The Book of Common Prayer. Harrisburg: Moorehouse Publishing, 1985.