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Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the Anglican Church of Canada’s traditional prayer book, a cornerstone of Anglican worship and spirituality. Rooted in the English Reformation and adapted for Canadian use, it includes prayers, psalms and liturgies for Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayer, baptism, marriage, funerals and other occasions. Its poetic and enduring language continues to inspire prayer and devotion in parishes and homes across Canada.

Moveable feast dates from 2021-2040 are available in PDF format.

Beyond a prayer book

The BCP is more than a collection of services—it’s a unifying expression of Anglican faith and identity. Its prayers and rhythms have formed generations of worshippers, connecting Canadian Anglicans with a centuries-old tradition of Christian devotion. Many congregations use the BCP alongside the Book of Alternative Services, which offers contemporary-language liturgies and expanded pastoral resources.

Supplementary resources

The following materials are supplementary to the BCP:

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  • Book of Occasional Services

Suggested uses

  • Participating in or leading traditional-language worship
  • Personal or family prayer using Morning or Evening Prayer
  • Studying Anglican liturgy and heritage
  • Deepening appreciation of Anglican theology and spirituality

Key themes

  • Traditional Anglican worship and theology
  • Daily prayer and sacramental life
  • Continuity with Anglican and Reformation heritage
  • Beauty and depth of liturgical language

Best suited for: clergy, parish worship leaders, liturgy committees, lay readers, church members, seminary students and anyone drawn to traditional Anglican worship and prayer.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.