Why Morning Prayer?

On January 7, we will gather together in worship at 9 am with the service of Morning Prayer led by the Rev. Deacon Mary Raysa. It's been a while since we've had Morning Prayer at St. Luke's, so it's time to refresh our understanding!

Morning Prayer is primarily used as a daily office (i.e.,individual or small group worship Monday-Saturday) but is also the recommended service for a congregation when no priest is present. Historically, its roots are in the monastic tradition. It can and often is led by lay people. In the service there is great mutual leadership with even more "call and response" than one might hear in the service of Holy Eucharist. The leader and congregation truly share in lifting up prayers and expressing faith.

In the Introduction for Daily Prayers for all Seasons, we read: 

People in all kinds of religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, have been marking time with prayer for almost as long as we’ve had hours. “Praying the hours,” as it’s called, has always reminded us that God walks with us throughout each day; “praying the hours” is also a way that the community of faith comes together, whether we’re all in one place or scattered like raindrops. Praying at set hours links us, both to God and to all God’s people. We know this, and we are comforted. In The Episcopal Church, our Book of Common Prayer offers beautiful services for morning, noon, evening, and nighttime in a section called “The Daily Office” (pp. 35-146).

For more information on the possibilities of Morning Prayer, check out the info here.