How to Lead Morning Prayer as a Lay Person

 


Outline:

Notes for Officiating:

  • Anyone can lead Morning Prayer
  • Attire Depends on Context
    • Full Liturgical Attire is Cassock and Surplice
      • Tippets are only worn by those who are ordained
        • They look similar to a stole worn at Eucharist, except they are black
    • In less formal settings, street clothes are okay
    • Wearing an Alb is only for Holy Eucharist
  • If you are in a church building, you only need to bow at the altar for the start and finish of the service
    • Candles on the altar are not necessary
Outline of Service:
  • Find the service in The Book of Common Prayer
  • Opening Sentence of Scripture- Optional
    • These are based on the season you are in
    • You may cross yourself while reading this sentence
  • Confession of Sin- Optional
    • Rite I, BCP 41 and Rite II, BCP 79
    • For the Absolution, remain kneeling and substitute "us" for "you" and "our" for "your"
      • You can cross yourself during the Absolution
        • Do not make the sign of the cross over the people
  • Invitatory and Psalter
    • Rite I, BCP 42 and Rite II, BCP 80
    • Stand so that everyone knows to stand with you
      • You can also tell people to stand as they are able
    • Can choose between the Venite or Jubilate or Christ our Passover
      • Best to do in unison
      • Christ our Passover is not good for Lent, but great for Easter
      • If you have a musician, they can choose a setting
    • Psalm is the Psalm Appointed for the Day
      • During the week can use the Daily Office Lectionary (BCP 934)
      • For Sundays can use the RCL Lectionary
      • Can be read in unison or responsively (see BCP 582 for more details)
        • Responsively is best with whole verse between Officiant and People
        • Never respond by "half verse"
          • "*" is meant to denote a pause or change in measure for chanting
      • End the Psalm with Gloria Patri ("Glory to the Father...")
  • The Lessons
    • Rite I, BCP 47 and Rite II, BCP 84
    • Lectionaries to be used are the same as for the Psalm
    • 1-3 readings can be used as seen fit
    • Canticles follow after the 1st and 2nd Reading
      • You can use any Canticle for Rite I or Rite II
      • Canticles 1-7 are found on BCP 47
      • Canticles 8-21 are found on BCP 86
      • Musical settings for the Canticles can be found in the Hymnal
      • It is recommended to lead these in unison
  • The Apostles' Creed
    • Rite I, BCP 53 and Rite II, BCP 96
    • All stand for the Creed
  • Prayers
    • Lord's Prayer
    • Suffrages
      • Choice between A and B
      • Officiant says "V" parts, everyone else says "R" parts
    • Collects
      • Can choose 1 or more
      • If a Sunday or any other Feast Day, must say Collect of the Day
    • Prayer of Mission
      • Choose one option
      • Rite I, BCP 57 and Rite II, BCP 100
    • Intercessions and Thanksgivings- Optional
      • Can have further prayers if so desire
      • Can choose to have form for Prayers of the People
      • Can open up for others' praters
    • The General Thanksgiving
      • Prayed together by all
      • Rite I, BCP 58 and Rite II, BCP 101
    • Prayer of Chrysostom
      • Can be done in addition to or in place of the General Thanksgiving
      • Never do if saying Morning Prayer alone
  • Dismissal
  • Final Statement from Scripture- Optional
    • 3 options, most default to the first
    • Rite I, BCP 59 and Rite II, BCP 102
      • Same translation for both
    • Can cross oneself here
    • If processing out, bow at the altar and you are done!