That’ll Preach

Learning to Pray with the Book of Common Prayer — with Jonathan Kanary

Nov 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Kanary, a Canon for Spiritual Formation at St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral, delves into the transformative power of the Book of Common Prayer. He reveals its historical roots and how it makes worship accessible to all. Jonathan emphasizes that written prayers can enhance spontaneous prayer, shape community, and create spiritual rhythms. He highlights the importance of praying the Psalms and how liturgy can guide us through times of spiritual dryness. A must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life!
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INSIGHT

Prayer Book As Reformation Tool

  • Thomas Cranmer designed the Book of Common Prayer to make worship intelligible and Bible-centered for ordinary people.
  • He simplified medieval liturgies into accessible morning and evening prayer to unify and form the church around Scripture.
ANECDOTE

College Group Sparked Daily Prayer Habit

  • Jonathan began using morning prayer in college with a small group and it helped his spiritual formation.
  • He later adopted it daily and found it functioned like an organized, communal 'quiet time'.
ADVICE

Pray Aloud To Join The Church

  • Pray both parts aloud when you pray the daily office alone to join the wider church and angels.
  • Use the printed responses to combat distraction and remember you participate in the church's prayer life.
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