Beschrijving

Commentary on the American Prayer Book offers a comprehensive exploration of the liturgy of the Episcopal Church, showing how each rite in the Book of Common Prayer is rooted in centuries of tradition, theological reflection, and historical development. Hatchett traces the origins of the prayers, their evolution through Anglican liturgical history, and the principles that shaped the 1979 Prayer Book. By examining the structure and intention behind daily offices, Eucharistic rites, baptismal liturgy, and pastoral offices, he reveals how the Prayer Book expresses the church’s understanding of worship and community.

The commentary also explains the logic and rhythm of the liturgical year, the use of scripture, and the placement of particular prayers and responses. Hatchett highlights how shifts in theology, ecumenical dialogue, and pastoral practice influenced the revisions of rites and rubrics. As a result, the Prayer Book emerges not as a static collection of texts but as a living document shaped by the changing needs and insights of the church, while still grounded in the wider Anglican tradition.

Finally, the book serves as both a scholarly resource and a practical guide. It helps clergy, students, and lay readers deepen their understanding of why the church worships as it does, offering clarity on symbolism, structure, and intention. Through Hatchett’s detailed analysis, the familiar words of the Prayer Book gain new layers of meaning, enabling worshippers to engage more fully and thoughtfully with the liturgy that shapes the life of their community.