Prayers of the People

According to the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer (1979), there is a great deal of flexibility with respect to the Prayers of the People. The single set form in Rite I and the six Forms in Rite II are available, but celebrants and liturgy planners are not limited to them. The only requirement is that the categories enumerated on page 359 are covered.

The links below are to alternative forms of the Prayers of the People that are keyed to the seasons and the lectionary readings of the liturgical year. They are adapted by Bishop Daniel from forms developed by Ormonde Plater, a deacon of the Diocese of Louisiana. In each instance, the Celebrant offers an introductory bidding, and the Deacon or other person appointed leads the prayers. In most circumstances, it would be appropriate for there to be some period of silence after each petition, before the leader continues with “Lord, hear us.” The celebrant reads the concluding collect.

In place of “Lord, hear us … Lord, graciously hear us” (adapted from Church of England materials), the more familiar language from Form IV may be used, if desired (“Lord, in your mercy … Hear our prayer”).

There is no form given for the First Sunday of Advent and the First Sunday in Lent, since it is customary to begin the service with the Great Litany on those occasions, and omit the Prayers of the People.

As long as all rubrics are observed, any of these forms may be adapted by, or in consultation with, the Celebrant.

 

Year A

Advent I Advent II Advent III Advent IV ABC: Christmas Xmas I Xmas II ABC: Epiphany Epiphany I Epiphany II Epiphany III Epiphany IV Epiphany V Epiphany VI Epiphany VII Epiphany VIII Epiphany Last Lent II Lent III Lent IV Lent V Palm Sunday Easter II Easter III Easter IV Easter V Easter VI Easter VII Pentecost Proper 07 Proper 08 Proper 09 Proper 10 Proper 11 Proper 12 Proper 13 Proper 14 Proper 15 Proper 16 Proper 17 Proper 18 Proper 19 Proper 20 Proper 21 Proper 22 Proper 23 Proper 24 Proper 25 Proper 26 Proper 27 Proper 28

Proper 29
Year B

B:Advent I B:Advent II B:Advent III B:Advent IV ABC: Christmas ABC: Epiphany B:Epiphany I Epiphany II Epiphany III Epiphany IV Epiphany V Epiphany VI Epiphany VII Epiphany VIII Last Epiphany Lent I Lent II Lent III Lent IV Lent V Easter II Easter III Easter IV Easter V Easter VI Easter VII Pentecost Proper 07  Proper 08 Proper 09 Proper 10 Proper 11 Proper 12 Proper 13 Proper 14 Proper 15 Proper 16 Proper 17 Proper 18 Proper 19 Proper 20 Proper 21 Proper 22 Proper 23 Proper 24 Proper 25 Proper 27 Proper 28

 

Year C

C: Advent II C: Advent III C: Advent IV ABC: Christmas C: Christmas I C: Christmas II ABC: Epiphany C: Epiphany I C: Epiphany II C: Epiphany III C: Epiphany IV C: Epiphany V C: Epiphany VI C: Epiphany Last C: Lent I C: Lent II C: Lent III C: Lent IV C: Lent V C: Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Easter 2 Easter 3 Easter 4 Easter 5 Easter 6 Easter 7 Pentecost Proper 05 Proper 06 Proper 07 Proper 08 Proper 09 Proper 10 Proper 11 Proper 12 Proper 13 Proper 14 Proper 15 Proper 16 Proper 17 Proper 18 Proper 19 Proper 20 Proper 21 Proper 22 Proper 23 Proper 24 Proper 25 Proper 26 Proper 27 Proper 28 Proper 29