Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

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Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 438 ratings · 29 reviews

Common Prayer helps today's diverse church pray together across traditions and denominations. With an ear to the particulars of how various liturgical traditions pray, and using an advisory team of liturgy experts, the authors have created a tapestry of prayer that celebrates the best of each tradition.The book also includes a unique songbook composed of music and classic...more

Hardcover, 590 pages

Published November 23rd 2010 by Zondervan (first published November 9th 2010)

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Dec 15, 2011 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: prayer, christian-life-and-spirituality

This book gets four stars just for the scope - prayers for every single morning of the year! If you are wanting to get into the tradition of fixed hour prayer (there are also midday and evening prayers on a weekly rotation) this book could be a help.

Claiborne, and the other authors, are part of the New Monasticism, emphasizing discipleship to Jesus as entailing things like poverty and nonviolence. These emphases shine through, though they do bring in voices from all Christian traditions.

The only...more

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Aug 12, 2011 Adam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-spirituality, prayer, spiritual-formation

I finally ordered a hard copy of this prayer book. I have been using the online version (commonprayer.net) for the past year. Whether you are new to fixed hour/liturgical prayer or not this book has the potential to change your prayer life. The book is itself a beautiful work of art. Well made. The pages are nice and sturdy which should make for great daily usage. As for content: There is one Evening Prayer for each day of the week. Each day has the Our Father as a border in both English and in...more

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Aug 12, 2011 Gregory Soderberg rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: liturgy

This is an exciting book! I came to it with hardly any background knowledge on who the New Monastics are, and I think that served me well. I see this text as a healthy injection of ancient wisdom into the postmodern church. This book breathes a freshness and a vitality that are missing from the more traditional churches that have never abandoned the historic liturgies. In many ways, familiarity breeds contempt. I won't accuse any churches of having contempt for their historic liturgies, but ther...more

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Dec 16, 2010 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-own

This is from my Amazon review:
I received my copy right before the first day in the book (December 1st) so I've been praying with this book daily since then. I am loving it! As an individual who loves liturgy and common prayer but would not consider himself to be Anglican/Episcopalian nor necessarily a part of any of the classic liturgical denominations, I find this prayer book to be a refreshing look at the 'style' - if you will. As a youth pastor, this has been a good way for me to introduce a...more This is from my Amazon review:
I received my copy right before the first day in the book (December 1st) so I've been praying with this book daily since then. I am loving it! As an individual who loves liturgy and common prayer but would not consider himself to be Anglican/Episcopalian nor necessarily a part of any of the classic liturgical denominations, I find this prayer book to be a refreshing look at the 'style' - if you will. As a youth pastor, this has been a good way for me to introduce a form daily and communal prayer and Scripture study to some of my more dedicated kids without having to throw extra explicitly denominational traditions/ideas/concepts on them that they may not be familiar with nor do they necessarily need. Although it does mention this 'New Monasticism' stuff, it's more of a "hey check this out if you want to" and not shoved down your throat at every turn.

I enjoy the Morning, Mid-day, and Evening setup. It allows you to start your day with good prayer, good Word, and some thoughts to roll over in your mind for the day that stem from a multitude of traditions. I've been pleased to read quotes from Church Fathers all the way to modern missionaries. I've found that taking the Mid-day prayer at my lunch break has made my workday much more (only word I can think of to put here is 'beautiful'). And the Evening prayer helps me to go to bed on a good note no matter what. I also enjoy the 'Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers' ideas at the end of each month with ways to put the faith into practice.
I like the inclusion of the Occasional Prayers, especially the adoption prayer.

My only concern is the Songbook doesn't include complete lyrics. This does make the song section of the morning prayer difficult if someone you are praying with (or you yourself) does not know the song which, considering the wide variety of traditions they pulled from, isn't too hard to fathom. I'm attempting to compile a complete set but some songs are difficult to find (or cost money to get the lyrics to, such as 'Freedom Train').

Although I disagree with other reviewers that a complete set of source references is needed, I do think the Songbook should be fleshed out.

I also disagree with those complaining that this isn't THE Book of Common Prayer and that Thomas Cranmer isn't mentioned. First, the description shows that it is not and even a quick flip in the bookstore would show it. Finally, the subtitle should be a major clue. Beyond that, it is not meant to be the classic denominational handbook but a guide for praying and reading together no matter what your community looks like.

To summarize: If it's going to hurt your feelings that this isn't the 'official' Book of Common Prayer with Thomas Cranmer's touch . . . get over it and enjoy it for what it IS. For everyone else, pick up this neat little liturgy for the rest of us today. It will open your eyes and help you to focus in your prayer time.(less)

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Dec 08, 2010 Josh Morgan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (http://jacobscafe.blogspot.com/2010/1...).

This post is part of my series on prayer books. I received a complimentary review copy of this book without a requirement or expectation of a positive review.

Common Prayer is a the result of a collaborative effort of Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro. All three (from my understanding) have an emphasis on missional living, intentional community, and the new monasticism. This in...more This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (http://jacobscafe.blogspot.com/2010/1...).

This post is part of my series on prayer books. I received a complimentary review copy of this book without a requirement or expectation of a positive review.

Common Prayer is a the result of a collaborative effort of Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro. All three (from my understanding) have an emphasis on missional living, intentional community, and the new monasticism. This instantly brings the book into a more modern context, particularly as the authors includes notes integrated into the book of marks of the new monasticism.

Like many people who have interacted in the emerging conversation, the authors are re-introducing people (especially younger people) to the beauty and power of liturgy. The introduction is long, but relevant, as most readers will likely be minimally familiar with liturgy and its meaning. This introduction itself is one of the most meaningful parts of the book, reminding the reader of the unity of the worldwide Christian Church. As the authors note, the power of liturgy helps keep all churches on the same calendar, which allows all churches who choose to do so to read the same Scripture and meditate together on the same issues (hence the title common prayer). It's like a National Day of Prayer for the whole world year-round. This alone reminds us we are not alone and need to be mindful of our global brothers and sisters.

Another element of liturgy that they note is that the book is not "so much an 'inspirational' text as it is a workout guide" (p. 20). Oftentimes we don't feel the Spirit moving and don't have much motivation to pray and worship. Liturgy helps us stay in the motion and habit of remembering God. Granted, plenty of people go through the motions without any intent, so remembering why you're doing what you're doing is important. That's why "workout guide" is a great analogy. I usually ride my bicycle to work. There's many days I don't feel like doing it, but once I get going, I usually enjoy it. And the days I choose to drive, I usually miss my bike. I think the same can be true of liturgy, as long as we remember the purpose of them (connecting with God, not going through the motions).

The prayers are definitely intended to be read in a group, socially. There are directions as to how to say the prayers as a call-and-response (if you've never experienced this in a positive way, trust me, it can be awesome). That does not preclude their use individually. A nice element is that there is a songbook at the back with actual sheet music (not just chords--I hate that :) ) for a variety of, as the authors say, various traditions' "greatest hits." Occasionally throughout the liturgical prayers, there is a notation to include a specific song to enhance the experience.

The prayers and songs are a nice compilation of Christian traditions and time periods, reminding me a bit of the Mosaic Bible. It feels modern enough to be relevant, but ancient enough to help feel a connection to the long history of Christianity.

The version I received to review was a book editorial version dated 9/10/10, so there may have been some differences. It was also a thick stack of 8.5x11 pieces of paper bound together, which took away from some of the devotional feel that the final published version seems to have (I've seen it in a bookstore--it has a nice textured cover and seems rather light for its size). It still seems a bit bulky to be used as an individual prayer guide, and again, the goal really is a more communal experience.

They have also created a companion website, with a liturgical calendar to which you can subscribe and daily prayers automatically updated. This element seems more inclined to the individual user. It would be nice if it was set up as an RSS feed to automatically get the daily prayers from the website.(less)

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Sep 09, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christianity, reference, bedside_hiatus, sarah_recommends

I call it "Liturgy for Dummies" and it's a perfect introduction to the traditions of the church for a dummy like myself. I am enjoying having a new morning rhythm with this book.

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Jul 20, 2011 Jonathan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a cool prayer book, and I think it is a good addition to the spiritual life of any community. You can really see the influence from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Life Together" in its format. I think it adds a lot to the Christian community who wants to worship the God who loves justice and hears the cry of the poor. It focuses on topics that other common prayer books undervalue. However, the book really, really focuses on those topics at the expense of others, and I would recommend it as one b...more

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Jan 07, 2011 Telly McGaha rated it 3 of 5 stars

There is nothing "radical," per se, about this book of prayer other than it compiles prayers from various Christian faiths (though you might never know if you have not been exposed to other faiths). As the name implies, it includes restricted, structured evening prayers for every day of the year, morning prayers for each weekday, and a midday prayer for every day. In addition, it includes some hymns, though only a few bars, from both Protestant and Catholic faiths. This music also reflects the w...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Eric Sundquist rated it 2 of 5 stars

I engaged with this Common Prayer during Lent. While I did not make my goal of regular daily practice, I did spend time with it frequently enough to understand its rhythms.

Common Prayer guides followers through three prayer times each day. Morning Prayers are lengthy, including readings about saints and from Scripture, as well as call and response prayer. There is a Morning Prayer for each day of the year and special prayers for Holy Week. The same Midday Prayer is used every day to develop a rh...more I engaged with this Common Prayer during Lent. While I did not make my goal of regular daily practice, I did spend time with it frequently enough to understand its rhythms.

Common Prayer guides followers through three prayer times each day. Morning Prayers are lengthy, including readings about saints and from Scripture, as well as call and response prayer. There is a Morning Prayer for each day of the year and special prayers for Holy Week. The same Midday Prayer is used every day to develop a rhythm and bring the divine to followers' minds. There is an Evening Prayer for each day of the week. Each Evening Prayer symbolizes death with the hope of resurrection the next morning.

I obviously could not participate in the full experience the book provides. Liturgy is meant to be a communal experience. It is also meant to be a regular practice, not something one sits down to read every day for a few weeks. If I were to understand what it is like to live in Common Prayer with others, I would need to make a discipline of meeting with others two or three times a daily on a regular basis for several months at least.

Because I was unable to experience what the book intends, it did not make any lasting impression on me. I truly believe that it could be a wonderful practice for followers, as I have had periods in my life in which I participated in a rich liturgical tradition of communal prayer throughout the day.

As compared to other books of prayer, this book (as one may expect, being authored by Shane Claiborne) focuses prayers on more progressive causes, such as child labor around the world, racial inequality, violence and warfare, abusive governments, etc. The focus on these subjects can be a reminder that prayer does not take place in an ethereal "spiritual" place concerned only with abstract concepts, nor does it occur only in first-world America where Jesus just wants you to be a nice person, but prayer takes place in a broken world yearning for redemption and healing.

For those seriously looking for a book to help guide in liturgy, this book would prove itself to be a solid choice. For those looking to read another pretty Shane Claiborne book and add it to your bookshelf, you might just wait until whatever comes out next.

This review originally posted on my blog:
http://mrsundquist.blogspot.com/2011/...(less)

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Feb 06, 2013 Joshua Casey rated it 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful introduction into fixed-hour prayer. If you want something more involved, look to Phyllis Tickle's Divine Hours.
This ecumenically-produced work includes prayers, daily readings and songs from nearly every branch of the faith, as well as beautiful art and practical ways to "be the answer of our prayers." Good stuff.

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May 01, 2011 Paige rated it 5 of 5 stars

This large book is guided prayers, scripture and song for each day of the year. There are different morning prayers for 365 DOY, mid-day prayer is the same for each day and a different evening prayer for each day of the week (S, M, T, W, Th, F, S). I don't get to it every day, but it is neat to do with your spouse or with the kids.

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Jun 18, 2012 Christi Flagg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

I'm enjoying this daily devotional/reader. I think I needed some structure in my prayer life and this is definitely old-school structured. I wish I could read it out loud more, but my cat gets intense when I'm talking to no one and decides I'm in need of intervention. Now I want the travel version to have on my desk at work.

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Aug 14, 2012 Marie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I found this book disappointing, although perhaps those who are not familiar with The Book of Common Prayer or daily office books might find the material fresh and useful. I was hoping for more inclusive language and postmodern theology, as well as more depth. I much prefer the St. Helena Breviary for personal use.

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Jul 14, 2012 Wes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-living

This is definitely a useful prayer resource that can help one develop a spiritual rhythm. It can also really help diverse Christian communities find a fresh, integrative liturgy that they can hold in common without any one person feeling like they are leaving their tradition behind entirely.

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Jan 13, 2011 Mary is currently reading it

If you appreciate liturgy but aren't too formal, then this book is perfect. It's a commoner's approach to liturgy and the prayers have an authentic and living voice.

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Mar 08, 2012 Rebekah rated it 3 of 5 stars

As with a religious books you need to read, and use, through the filter of the Bible. Some things I disagree with but I found it useful in personal devotions.

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Jul 11, 2012 Stephen Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

I believe this is a very important tool for 21st century followers of Jesus to incorporate into their daily practices. I love it and use it daily!

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Sep 05, 2011 Stimple rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read it every day! The liturgy develops humbleness, the anecdotes challenge thought, and the Scripture is usable in real life. Good stuff.

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Jun 15, 2011 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, inspiration, my-faves

A wonderful introduction to Liturgy and wonderful way to start your day. I love this book except for one matter, if you or someone you love is in the military, Shane Claiborne is a pacifist and some of his writing may not align with yours. His writing about his feelings/ideas on our military is limited to the front introduction but he very clearly (loudy) states his beliefs and while I whole-heartedly support the freedom of speech, I feel maybe this book of liturgy is not the most appropriate pl...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Matthew Norris rated it 5 of 5 stars

a brilliant everyday companion to get closer to god.

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Jan 05, 2011 Deanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Christmas present to myself. Love it!

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May 27, 2012 Guy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: believers

amazing

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May 17, 2012 Sarah Boyette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Love it!

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Dec 28, 2010 J. Sanders rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nice format with beautiful meditations on living in community and following the example of "ordinary radicals" like Sojourner Truth, Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa, Oscar Romero and many more.

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Sep 17, 2012 Meghan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Although I haven't used this in community, as intended, I've been using it as my daily devotional for some time now. I appreciate the biographical notes, the songs, the daily Bible readings (based on the lectionary), and the various prayers.

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Jul 07, 2011 Robert Cornwall rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spirituality, theology, bible

I am enjoying this book. It is an excellent resource for prayer -- both personal and corporate. It's developed for use within the New Monastic Communities. I'll give a fuller review later.

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Jul 02, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion-spirituality

Truly fantastic. Perfect for a liturgy nut like me and I LOVE the social justice focus, which is too often lost in modern [right-wing] Christianity. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend.

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Apr 03, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

After a year, I'm not putting this one down quite yet. It has added a level of much-needed richness and rhythm to my prayer life.

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Apr 25, 2013 Taylor Edmonds rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Christian Doctrine Spring 2013 (Belmont)

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Mar 31, 2013 Lisa Baumgartner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction-spirituality

Do not buy this book as an ebook.

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About Shane Claiborne

My love of God and my love of the arts seem to have begun simultaneously. I can not remember which awed me first. By age eight I was both an avid collector of crucifix pendants and a writer of poems. Thankfully those first poems are lost somewhere on the African continent.

Fast forward years later through stints in English boarding school, pew-warming in Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyter...more

More about Shane Claiborne...

Books by Shane Claiborne

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical

Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals

Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals

Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?

Common Prayer Pocket Edition: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

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