Jan20
This book is a Methodist Book of Common Prayer, integrated for modern use, yet allegiant to the original Anglican-Wesleyan text.
This is the original work by John and Charles Wesley published by them in 1784. This was their version of the English 1662 The Book of Common Prayer. Most are familiar with this book by its original title THE SUNDAY SERVICE OF THE METHODISTS; IN NORTH AMERICA With other OCCASIONAL SERVICES. It was intended to be a Minister’s Manual useful to the itinerant pastor. In the back of the book is a collection of Psalms and Hymns that they found inspiring and useful for Methodist’s services. It appears that these Hymns are from a variety of authors such as Issac Watts though no credits are referenced in the original. The entire original work including scriptures has been transposed from the 18th Century original publication to the 21st Century digital age keeping all the original language and spellings so that students and researchers may make complete comparative studies of early Methodism and early Christian services and liturgies. Bonus material including John Wesley’s Tracts on Prayer and Graces have been added to complete this prayer book.
Prior works have been done producing a partial facsimile of the original book. This new publication is the first complete reproduction of the original book within it’s own volume and in modern text-type. The entire book has been prepared for print and eBook.
Two years ago I set out to learn how to pray. I knew how to pray extemporaneously, but aside from the Lord’s Prayer I didn’t know the formal prayers of our Church’s past. That was the problem! And that is the challenge that we face in our modern age.
I discovered the rich prayers of the Puritans. Sorry! They left me self-loathing and fixated on myself. No! We naturally realize how small and inadequate we are when we come to the presence of the holy God. I wanted prayers that magnified God and lifted me up to meet Him. I wanted to extend that love to my family and others.
Then I remembered John and Charles Wesley and began to wonder, “What would the Wesleys do?” As I searched I found John Wesley’s revision of The Book of Common Prayer and was surprised at his affection for the formal order of service. I felt a tremendous burden to preserve Wesley’s presentation of The Book of Common Prayer and to bring it back into light. While I was studying and working on that project I found the treasure of John Wesley’s Tracts on Prayer. That was it! That was what I was looking for! And so now we have this book.
I hope that you enjoy what John Wesley has prepared. In his version of the BCP it was written for the Americans; Realize that in the Tracts on Prayer he put this together for his own part of the world. I encourage you to use these prayers in your own life. When you come to prayers for the King and his Government, feel free to substitute the Government and Authorities that preside over you as part of your Christian Duty.
Overall, I pray that you will be enriched and that this book will spur you on in your personal growth and your relationship to God your maker.
May God bless you!
Rev. Jonathan H. Johnson – Editor
_
