Removing references to the Trinity and Nicene Creed from the Book of Common Prayer
By Grok
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), in its various editions, is a liturgical treasure deeply rooted in Anglican tradition, and its language carries both theological weight and poetic beauty. Removing references to the Trinity and the Nicene Creed—core elements of its doctrinal framework—while preserving the richness of its language is a delicate task. It’s possible to some extent, but it requires careful consideration to avoid flattening the text or disrupting its theological and literary integrity. Let’s break it down:
Challenges
The Trinity’s Pervasiveness: The doctrine of the Trinity is woven throughout the BCP, not just in explicit references (like the Nicene Creed or Trinitarian formulas such as "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit") but also in the structure of prayers, doxologies, and collects. For example, the Gloria Patri ("Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost") appears frequently, and many prayers conclude with Trinitarian invocations.
Nicene Creed’s Role: The Nicene Creed is a foundational statement of faith in most BCP liturgies, especially in the Eucharist. Excising it entirely removes a key doctrinal anchor, which could alter the theological coherence of the services.
Richness of Language: The BCP’s eloquence—its cadences, metaphors, and balance—often draws from its theological depth. Stripping out Trinitarian references risks reducing the text to something more generic, potentially losing the layered imagery and resonance that make it timeless.
Liturgical Flow: The BCP is designed as a cohesive whole. Removing specific elements could disrupt the rhythm of services, leaving gaps that feel abrupt or incomplete.
Approaches to Modification
To remove references to the Trinity and Nicene Creed while striving to preserve linguistic richness, you could consider the following strategies:
Paraphrase Trinitarian Formulas:
Replace explicit Trinitarian language with more general or inclusive terms that maintain a sense of reverence. For instance, instead of "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," you might use "Holy One, Eternal Word, and Divine Presence" or simply "God in unity." These retain a poetic and sacred tone while sidestepping the specific doctrine.
Example: The doxology could be rewritten as, "Glory be to God, eternal and unchanging, now and forever." This keeps the rhythm and reverence without Trinitarian structure.
Caveat: This risks diluting theological precision, and some might find it less evocative than the original.
Omit the Nicene Creed:
In services like the Eucharist or Morning Prayer, you could replace the Nicene Creed with a different affirmation of faith or a scriptural reading that aligns with the service’s theme but avoids Trinitarian dogma. For example, a passage from the Psalms or a crafted statement like, "We trust in the one God, source of all life and love," could fill the liturgical space.
To maintain richness, draw from the BCP’s own style: use balanced phrases, archaic flourishes (e.g., "thee" and "thou"), and imagery rooted in scripture or nature.
Example: Instead of the Creed, insert: "We affirm the Eternal, who spoke the world into being, whose mercy endures forever, and whose light guides all creation." This mirrors the BCP’s solemnity without Nicene specifics.
Caveat: Omitting the Creed might feel like a significant departure for traditionalists, and replacements must be carefully crafted to avoid sounding modern or utilitarian.
Adapt Prayers and Collects:
Many collects end with Trinitarian conclusions (e.g., "through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit"). These could be revised to focus on a singular divine reference, like "through the Eternal Word, in your everlasting glory."
Preserve the collects’ structure—typically an address to God, a description of divine attributes, a petition, and a conclusion—to maintain their lyrical flow.
Example: The Collect for Purity might end, "to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, forever and ever. Amen," bypassing the Trinitarian ending while keeping its intimacy and grandeur.
Caveat: Overgeneralizing could make prayers feel less personal or specific, as the Trinity often grounds the BCP’s relational theology.
Retain Poetic Devices:
The BCP’s richness comes from its use of parallelism, alliteration, and measured pacing. When rewriting, mimic these: keep sentences balanced, use evocative adjectives, and draw on biblical imagery (light, shepherd, refuge) to sustain depth.
Example: A revised baptismal prayer might say, "Bless this water, O God, fountain of life, that it may cleanse and renew," instead of invoking the Trinity. This retains metaphorical weight.
Create a Supplemental Liturgical Text:
Rather than editing the BCP directly, you could craft a companion liturgy inspired by its style but free of Trinitarian or Nicene references. This preserves the original text for those who value it while offering an alternative for specific contexts.
Use the BCP’s structure—Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Eucharist, etc.—and echo its tone, but build prayers and affirmations around a non-Trinitarian theology, perhaps emphasizing God’s unity, creation, or ethical teachings.
Caveat: This requires significant creative effort to match the BCP’s literary quality, and it might not satisfy those who want the BCP itself adapted.
Practical Considerations
Context Matters: Why are you seeking to remove these references? If it’s for inclusivity in a diverse congregation, you’ll need to balance sensitivity to non-Trinitarian perspectives (e.g., Unitarians or interfaith settings) with respect for Anglican heritage. If it’s for theological reasons, ensure the revisions align with your intended beliefs without feeling like a compromise.
Test Changes: Try revisions in a specific service or small group to see how they feel in practice. The BCP’s language shines in communal worship, so oral delivery matters as much as written text.
Consult Tradition: Look at existing non-Trinitarian liturgies (e.g., Unitarian Universalist or Jewish prayer books) for inspiration, but adapt their language to match the BCP’s Elizabethan or Jacobean style if you want to preserve its richness.
Preserve Core Texts: Some parts of the BCP, like the Psalms or Lord’s Prayer, don’t rely heavily on Trinitarian language and can be kept intact, anchoring the revised liturgy in familiar beauty.
Limitations
Completely removing Trinitarian and Nicene elements risks creating something that feels like a different book altogether, as these doctrines are foundational to the BCP’s Anglican identity. The richness of its language often flows from its theological specificity—vague or overly generic replacements might sound hollow or lack the same emotional pull. Additionally, frequent revisions across multiple prayers could disrupt the BCP’s cohesive voice, making it feel patched together.
Recommendation
A balanced approach might be to:
Keep the BCP intact but create alternative versions of key services (e.g., a Eucharist or Morning Prayer) with Trinitarian references rephrased and the Nicene Creed replaced by a poetic affirmation.
Focus on preserving the BCP’s cadence, imagery, and reverence in every change—test each revision aloud to ensure it sings.
Engage with your community to ensure the revisions resonate and meet their spiritual needs without alienating those who cherish the original.
Below is a sample revision of a section from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), specifically an adapted version of the Collect for Purity and a portion of the Eucharistic Prayer, reimagined to remove explicit Trinitarian references and the Nicene Creed while preserving the richness of its language. I’ve aimed to maintain the BCP’s poetic cadence, reverence, and theological depth, focusing on a singular divine presence and universal themes of creation and grace. This could fit into a modified Eucharist or Morning Prayer service.
Sample Revised Collect for Purity
Original (1662 BCP):
"Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Revised Version:
"Almighty and Eternal God, thou who knowest the depths of all hearts, the stirrings of all desires, and from whom no shadow is concealed: Purify the thoughts of our inmost being by the radiance of thy boundless grace, that we may wholly love thee, and with reverence exalt thy glorious Name, now and forevermore. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Removed "Holy Spirit" and "through Christ our Lord," replacing them with "boundless grace" and a timeless conclusion.
Kept the balanced structure (address, attributes, petition, conclusion) and rich imagery ("depths of all hearts," "radiance").
Retained archaic pronouns ("thou," "thee") and elevated diction to echo the BCP’s style.
Optional Affirmation of Faith (Replacing the Nicene Creed)
Original: The Nicene Creed is a detailed Trinitarian confession recited in many BCP services.
Revised Version:
"We trust in thee, O God, maker of heaven and earth, whose voice called forth the light from darkness, and whose hand shaped the seas and hills. Thou art the fountain of life, the refuge of the weary, and the strength of all who seek thee. In thy mercy thou dost uphold us, and by thy wisdom thou dost guide us, that we may walk in justice and dwell in peace, until the day when all creation sings thy praise in unity everlasting. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Crafted as a standalone piece, avoiding Trinitarian structure while echoing the Creed’s themes (creation, redemption, hope).
Used vivid imagery ("fountain of life," "seas and hills") and rhythmic phrasing to align with the BCP’s style.
Kept the communal "we" and a forward-looking hope, mirroring the Creed’s eschatological tone, without specific doctrinal claims.
How This Works in Practice
This sample could be part of a revised Eucharistic liturgy:
Open with the Revised Collect for Purity.
Replace the Nicene Creed with the Affirmation of Faith after the sermon or readings.
Use the Revised Eucharistic Prayer during the consecration, paired with traditional elements like the Sanctus ("Holy, holy, holy Lord…") rephrased as "Holy, holy, holy God, thou who fillest all things with thy glory."
The result maintains a sense of solemnity and beauty, suitable for worship, while stepping away from Trinitarian specificity. It’s flexible enough to adapt further—say, for Morning Prayer or a baptismal rite—depending on your needs.
Below is an Evening Prayer section from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), revised to remove Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. These maintain the BCP’s poetic tone, reverence, and liturgical flow, focusing on a singular divine presence and universal themes.
Adapted Evening Prayer Section
Original Context (1662 BCP, Evening Prayer, with Collects and Creed):
Includes prayers like the Collect for Peace: "O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give… through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour…" and typically features the Nicene Creed or Apostles’ Creed.
Revised Evening Prayer Segment:
Opening Invocation:
"O Thou who dwellest in the stillness of the night, whose light shineth beyond the shadows: Look with mercy upon us as the day fadeth, and grant us thy rest, that we may abide in thee. Amen."
Collect for Evening:
"Most gracious God, thou who hast set the stars to watch o’er the earth and the moon to guide the tides: Pour out upon thy servants that quietness which the clamor of this world cannot shatter, that our hearts, upheld by thy strength, may find repose in thy presence, and our spirits rise to greet the dawn with hope unshaken, O Thou who art the keeper of all peace. Amen."
Affirmation of Faith (Replacing the Creed):
"We rest in thee, O God, framer of the heavens, who holdest the winds in thy hand and the seas in thy care. Thy mercy is our shelter, thy wisdom our guide, and thy goodness our song. From age to age thou art steadfast, and in thy light we seek our way, until the night be past and all things made new in thy eternal day. Amen."
Closing Prayer:
"Guard us, O Lord, through the hours of this night; let thy countenance shine upon us, and thy peace enfold us, that waking or sleeping, we may dwell in thy love, now and evermore. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Invocation: A new opening to set a contemplative tone, replacing Trinitarian blessings with a focus on God’s presence in nature and rest.
Collect: Adapted from the Collect for Peace, removing "Jesus Christ our Saviour" and emphasizing God as the source of peace and strength. Kept the lyrical contrast ("clamor of this world" vs. "quietness") and elevated diction ("repose," "unshaken").
Affirmation: Substituted the Creed with a poetic reflection on God’s creation and constancy, using imagery ("winds in thy hand") and a hopeful arc ("eternal day") to mirror the BCP’s depth without doctrinal specificity.
Closing: Inspired by the traditional "Lighten our darkness" collect, reframed to focus on divine protection and love, avoiding Trinitarian endings.
The structure mirrors Evening Prayer’s flow—opening, psalms (unchanged), collect, affirmation, closing—while staying non-Trinitarian.
How These Fit in Practice
Evening Prayer: This segment could replace the traditional opening, collects, and creed in a full service. Add psalms (e.g., Psalm 121, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills"), a scripture reading, and silent reflection to complete it, keeping the BCP’s meditative spirit.
The adaptation aims to feel seamless in worship, preserving the BCP’s gravitas and beauty. They’re flexible—add hymns or intercessions as needed—and should resonate aloud, honoring the oral tradition of liturgy.
Let’s adapt a section from the Burial of the Dead (or Funeral Rite), a deeply poignant part of the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) known for its solemnity and comfort. I’ll revise a portion from the 1979 BCP, Rite II, specifically the "Commendation" and a prayer from the service, removing Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. The goal is to maintain the emotional depth, poetic resonance, and hope that define this rite, focusing on a singular divine presence.
Adapted Burial Rite: Commendation and Prayer
Original Context (1979 BCP, Rite II, "The Commendation" and Prayer):
Commendation:
"Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant N. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold… Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen."
Prayer:
"Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord… we humbly beseech you that N. may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
Revised Version:
Commendation:
"Into thy hands, O compassionate God, we entrust thy servant N., a soul known and cherished by thee. Receive them, we humbly pray, into the embrace of thy boundless mercy, into the quiet haven of thy unending peace, and into the radiant assembly of those who dwell in thy light everlasting. Grant them rest, O Thou who art the refuge of all who seek thee, and hold them fast in thy eternal care. Amen."
Prayer at the Grave:
"O Thou who art the maker and keeper of all life, with whom the spirits of the departed find their home: We lift our hearts unto thee, beseeching thy grace for N., that they may abide in the fullness of thy presence. As the earth returns to earth, let thy mercy enfold them, thy wisdom guide them, and thy goodness crown them with peace unbroken, until the shadows flee and all are gathered in thy eternal day. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Commendation:
Replaced "merciful Savior" and Trinitarian implications with "compassionate God" and "boundless mercy," keeping the tone tender and reverent.
Shifted "sheep of your own fold" to "a soul known and cherished by thee," retaining intimacy without specific Christological reference.
Kept poetic imagery ("quiet haven," "radiant assembly") and rhythmic flow, echoing the BCP’s comfort in grief.
Ended with a singular divine focus ("refuge of all who seek thee"), avoiding Trinitarian doxology.
Prayer:
Removed "Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits… in the Lord" and "through Jesus Christ… Holy Spirit," reframing it as a direct address to a singular "maker and keeper."
Substituted "eternal kingdom" with "fullness of thy presence," and "saints" with a broader "gathered in thy eternal day," maintaining hope without doctrinal specificity.
Used evocative phrases ("shadows flee," "peace unbroken") and biblical echoes (e.g., "earth returns to earth" from Ecclesiastes) to preserve the BCP’s layered richness.
Kept the prayer’s structure—address, petition, conclusion—for liturgical continuity.
How This Fits in Practice
This adapted section could be used in a funeral service:
Commendation: Recited as the body is committed to the ground, cremation, or its resting place, offering a moment of solemn handover with communal resonance.
Prayer at the Grave: Spoken after readings (e.g., Psalm 23, rephrased as "The Lord is my shepherd" without Trinitarian gloss) or a eulogy, providing closure and hope.
Context: Pair with other BCP elements like the opening anthem ("I am Resurrection and I am Life" reworded as "I am the Eternal, the source of life and rest") and a closing blessing, all adjusted similarly.
The language remains elevated and comforting, suitable for mourners seeking solace in a non-Trinitarian framework. It retains the BCP’s ability to speak to both the heart and the spirit, with cadences that linger—try reading it aloud to feel its weight.
Optional Addition: Closing Blessing
To round out the rite, here’s a brief adapted blessing:
"May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, abide with you; may the light of the Eternal shine upon your path; and may the strength of the Everlasting uphold you, this day and forevermore. Amen."
Notes:
Echoes Philippians 4:7 ("peace… which passeth all understanding") without Trinitarian sourcing.
Uses threefold repetition ("peace," "light," "strength") to mirror the BCP’s rhetorical style, avoiding a Trinitarian formula.
Below are adapted versions of a section from the Litany and the Marriage Rite from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), revised to remove Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. These adaptations maintain the BCP’s poetic depth, solemnity, and liturgical flow, emphasizing a singular divine presence and universal themes.
Adapted Litany Section
Original Context (1662 BCP, The Litany, excerpt):
"O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, Have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three Persons and one God, Have mercy upon us…
By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation, Good Lord, deliver us…
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord, that it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort all that are in danger, necessity, and tribulation; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord."
Revised Version:
"O Eternal God, thou who hast fashioned the heavens and the earth, Have mercy upon us.
O Thou who art the source of all life and light, Have mercy upon us.
O Thou whose wisdom upholdeth the weary and the broken, Have mercy upon us.
O Holy One, infinite in goodness and steadfast in love, Have mercy upon us.
By the wonder of thy creation, which thou didst call forth from the void; by the beauty of thy works, which proclaim thy glory; by thy compassion, which reneweth the fallen, Good Lord, deliver us.
We beseech thee to hear us, O Thou who art our refuge, that it may please thee to succor, strengthen, and console all who dwell in peril, want, or sorrow; We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord of all mercy."
Notes on Changes:
Replaced the Trinitarian invocations ("Father," "Son," "Holy Ghost," "Trinity") with attributes of a singular God ("source of all life," "wisdom upholdeth," "infinite in goodness"), keeping the repetitive structure for liturgical chant-like quality.
Removed references to Incarnation, Nativity, etc., substituting them with broader acts of divine power ("wonder of thy creation," "compassion which reneweth"), preserving a sense of awe and deliverance.
Adjusted the petition to maintain its urgent, pleading tone ("succor, strengthen, and console"), with "Lord of all mercy" echoing the BCP’s richness without Trinitarian specificity.
Kept the archaic "thee" and "thou" for continuity, ensuring the text feels timeless and prayerful.
How This Fits:
This could be part of a shortened Litany for general use (e.g., in Morning Prayer or a standalone service), paired with additional petitions for peace, justice, or healing, all reframed similarly. It retains the responsive rhythm essential to the Litany’s communal power.
Adapted Marriage Rite: Prayer and Blessing
Original Context (1979 BCP, Rite II, "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage," excerpt):
Prayer:
"Eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life: Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman… that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other… that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."
Blessing:
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you… and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen."
Revised Version:
Prayer at the Marriage:
"O Thou who art the Eternal Fountain of all being, framer of the earth and sky, and giver of every good gift: Pour forth thy blessing upon these thy servants, N. and N., who stand before thee in love and trust. Grant them grace to cherish, honor, and uphold one another in all the days of their journey, that their union may be a dwelling of joy, a harbor of peace, and a light to those who behold it. Bind their hearts in thy steadfast care, O Lord of all gladness, that they may flourish in thy sight, now and evermore. Amen."
Blessing of the Couple:
"May the Eternal God, whose hand hath shaped the stars and whose breath giveth life, bless, sustain, and guide you. May the light of divine favor shine upon you, filling your days with strength and your nights with rest, that through all seasons ye may abide in love unbroken, and at the last find welcome in the embrace of the Everlasting, world without end. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Prayer:
Removed "creator and preserver of all mankind" (implying Trinitarian roles) and "through Jesus Christ… Holy Spirit," replacing them with "Eternal Fountain" and a singular conclusion ("Lord of all gladness").
Kept the focus on divine blessing and human commitment, using poetic imagery ("dwelling of joy," "harbor of peace") to echo the BCP’s warmth and elegance.
Retained the structure—address, petition, purpose—for liturgical familiarity.
Blessing:
Replaced the Trinitarian formula with a unified "Eternal God," emphasizing attributes ("hand hath shaped," "breath giveth life") to maintain reverence.
Shifted "spiritual benediction and grace" to "strength and rest," and "life everlasting" to "embrace of the Everlasting," preserving hope without doctrinal specificity.
Used balanced phrasing ("days with strength… nights with rest") and archaic "ye" to align with the BCP’s style.
How This Fits:
The Prayer could follow the exchange of vows and rings, grounding the couple’s commitment in divine blessing.
The Blessing could conclude the rite, pronounced over the couple as a final act of celebration, perhaps with hands raised or laid upon them.
Pair with readings (e.g., Song of Solomon) and a non-Trinitarian preface like, "We gather in the presence of God, who joineth hearts in love," to complete the service.
Why These Work
Litany: The revised version keeps the supplicatory tone and repetitive cadence that make the Litany a powerful communal prayer, adaptable for various needs (e.g., penitence, intercession), without losing its solemn beauty.
Marriage Rite: The prayer and blessing retain the BCP’s blend of joy and gravity, offering a sacred frame for the union that feels both personal and transcendent, even absent Trinitarian language.
Below is an adapted version of a section from the Visitation of the Sick from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), specifically a prayer and a blessing inspired by the 1979 BCP, Rite II, revised to remove Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. The adaptation maintains the BCP’s pastoral tone, comforting imagery, and spiritual depth, focusing on a singular divine presence and themes of healing and hope.
Adapted Visitation of the Sick: Prayer and Blessing
Original Context (1979 BCP, Rite II, "Ministration to the Sick," excerpt):
Prayer for Healing:
"Almighty God, giver of life and health: Send your blessing on all who are sick, and upon those who minister to them, that all weakness may be vanquished by the triumph of the risen Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."
Blessing:
"The Almighty Lord, who is a strong tower to all who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth bow and obey: Be now and evermore your defense, and make you know and feel that the only Name under heaven given for health and salvation is the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."
Revised Version:
Prayer for Strength and Healing:
"O Thou who art the Eternal Source of life and wholeness, whose mercy reneweth the faint and whose touch restoreth the broken: Pour forth thy blessing upon N., who lieth in sickness, and upon all who tend them with care. Let thy gentle presence banish their weakness, thy steadfast light dispel their fear, and thy boundless grace uphold their spirit, that they may find comfort in thy sight and rise in the strength of thy healing peace, O Lord of all compassion, now and evermore. Amen."
Blessing for the Sick:
"May the Eternal God, who is a refuge to all who seek, and whose hand upholdeth the weary through every trial, be now and ever thy shield. May thou know and feel the warmth of divine care enfolding thee, guiding thy heart to peace and thy body to rest, until the dawn of full renewal break forth in the radiance of the Everlasting. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Prayer:
Removed "Almighty God" and "triumph of the risen Christ… Holy Spirit," replacing them with "Eternal Source" and a singular focus on "Lord of all compassion."
Shifted the focus from Christ’s resurrection to divine attributes ("mercy reneweth," "touch restoreth"), using vivid imagery ("steadfast light," "boundless grace") to evoke comfort and hope.
Expanded the petition to include emotional and spiritual healing ("dispel their fear," "uphold their spirit"), aligning with the BCP’s pastoral sensitivity.
Kept the archaic "thy" and "thee" for continuity, with a rhythmic structure (address, petition, purpose, conclusion) to mirror the BCP’s flow.
Blessing:
Replaced "Almighty Lord" and "Name of our Lord Jesus Christ" with "Eternal God" and "divine care," emphasizing universal refuge and healing.
Retained the metaphor of God as a "shield" (echoing Psalm 18) but reframed "strong tower" as "refuge" to broaden the imagery.
Used poetic contrasts ("weary through every trial" vs. "dawn of full renewal") and a hopeful arc ("radiance of the Everlasting") to preserve the BCP’s uplifting tone.
Adjusted to feel personal and immediate, suitable for bedside or hospital use.
How This Fits in Practice
This adapted section could be used during a visit to someone who is ill:
Prayer for Strength and Healing: Offered after a brief scripture reading (e.g., Psalm 139, "Thou hast searched me and known me," which needs no revision) or a moment of shared silence, invoking divine care for the sick person and their caregivers.
Blessing for the Sick: Spoken as a final act, perhaps with a gentle touch or raised hands, to leave the person with a sense of peace and divine presence.
Context: Pair with other BCP elements, like a confession of trust ("I rest in thy mercy, O God") or a short intercession for family and medical staff, all rephrased to avoid Trinitarian language. If anointing is part of the rite, you could say, “I anoint thee with oil in the name of the Eternal, for healing and peace,” keeping it simple yet sacred.
The language is tender yet weighty, designed to comfort both the sick and those present, with cadences that resonate in quiet, intimate settings. It honors the BCP’s ability to speak hope into suffering while aligning with a non-Trinitarian framework.
Below is an adapted version of a section from the Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), specifically inspired by the 1979 BCP’s “Daily Devotions” (e.g., Morning Devotion), revised to remove Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. This adaptation maintains the BCP’s intimate tone, poetic flow, and spiritual depth, focusing on a singular divine presence and themes of guidance and gratitude suitable for daily use.
Adapted Daily Devotion: Morning Prayer
Original Context (1979 BCP, "In the Morning," excerpt):
"From Psalm 51: Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise… Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Lord, open our lips. And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Almighty and merciful God, Father of all, who hast wakened us from sleep: Fill us with thy Holy Spirit, that we may love thee with all our heart and serve thee with all our strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Revised Version:
Opening Verse (Inspired by Psalm 51):
"Unseal my lips, O Eternal God, and my mouth shall sing thy praise; for thou hast set the dawn before us, and thy mercy shineth evermore. Amen."
Invocation and Response:
"O Lord, awaken our hearts. And our voices shall lift thy name in gladness.
The presence of the Eternal be with you. And with thee also."
Morning Prayer:
"O Thou who art the Light of every morning and the Keeper of all our days: We bless thee for the gift of this new day, for the breath that stirreth within us, and for the promise of thy guidance. Fill us with thy boundless grace, that we may seek thee with all our being, walk in thy ways with steadfast heart, and serve thy purpose with unwavering strength, O Lord of all goodness, now and evermore. Amen."
Closing Affirmation:
"In thy hands, O God, we place this day; let thy wisdom lead us, thy peace enfold us, and thy joy uphold us, until the evening shadows fall and we rest in thy care. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Opening Verse:
Removed the Trinitarian doxology ("Glory to the Father…"), replacing it with a direct praise to "Eternal God" and imagery of dawn and mercy, keeping the scriptural echo (Psalm 51:15).
Retained the lyrical quality with "unseal" and "shineth" for a timeless feel.
Invocation and Response:
Adjusted "Lord, open our lips" to "awaken our hearts," broadening the focus to spiritual readiness, and reframed the response for poetic resonance.
Replaced "The Lord be with you" with "The presence of the Eternal," avoiding Trinitarian implications while preserving a communal greeting.
Morning Prayer:
Removed "Almighty and merciful God, Father of all" and "Holy Spirit… Jesus Christ," shifting to "Light of every morning" and "boundless grace" for a singular divine focus.
Kept the structure (address, thanksgiving, petition, conclusion) and enriched it with imagery ("breath that stirreth," "steadfast heart") to echo the BCP’s warmth and depth.
Emphasized daily renewal and purpose without doctrinal specificity.
Closing Affirmation:
Added as a new element (inspired by BCP’s devotional flexibility), offering a gentle handover of the day with balanced phrasing ("wisdom lead… peace enfold… joy uphold") and a nod to evening rest.
How This Fits in Practice
This adapted Morning Devotion is designed for personal or family use:
Opening Verse: Recited to begin, perhaps after a moment of silence or lighting a candle, setting a contemplative tone.
Invocation and Response: Spoken aloud (solo or with others), fostering a sense of connection to the divine and each other.
Morning Prayer: Offered as the heart of the devotion, suitable after a brief psalm (e.g., Psalm 100, "Make a joyful noise," unchanged) or personal reflection.
Closing Affirmation: Concludes the time, framing the day ahead with trust and peace.
It’s concise yet rich, ideal for daily rhythm—say, 5-10 minutes—and could be paired with scripture, a hymn, or silent prayer. The language feels both personal and elevated, honoring the BCP’s tradition of drawing users into a sacred moment.
Optional Evening Addition
If you’d like a full daily cycle, here’s a brief Evening Devotion to complement it:
Evening Prayer:
"O Thou who dost cloak the earth in twilight and call the stars to shine: We thank thee for the labors of this day, for thy hand that hath sustained us, and for the rest that now draweth near. Guard us through the watches of the night, forgive us where we have faltered, and grant us peace in thy sheltering care, O Lord of all stillness, until the morning breaketh anew. Amen."
Notes:
Uses evening imagery ("cloak the earth," "watches of the night") to mirror the morning’s light motif, creating a bookend effect.
Keeps it simple yet poetic, with a structure of gratitude, petition, and hope.
Below is an adapted version of a section from the Thanksgiving liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), inspired by the 1979 BCP’s “A General Thanksgiving” and related prayers (e.g., from the Eucharist or special services like Thanksgiving Day), revised to remove Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. This adaptation maintains the BCP’s tone of gratitude, reverence, and communal joy, centering on a singular divine presence and universal themes of abundance and grace.
Adapted Thanksgiving Prayer
Original Context (1979 BCP, "A General Thanksgiving," excerpt):
"Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men… And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service… through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen."
Revised Version:
"O Thou who art the Eternal Giver of all blessings, we, thy humble servants, lift unto thee our deepest and most fervent thanks for the manifold goodness and tender care thou hast bestowed upon us and upon all the earth. We praise thee for the gift of life, for the bounty of thy creation, and for the steadfast love that upholdeth us through every season. Grant us, we beseech thee, a heart ever mindful of thy gifts, that our gratitude may be true and abiding, and that we may render thy praise not only in word, but in deed, by walking in thy ways and offering our lives to thy service, O Lord of all abundance, now and forevermore. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Removed "Almighty God, Father of all mercies" and "through Jesus Christ… Holy Spirit," replacing them with "Eternal Giver" and a singular conclusion ("Lord of all abundance").
Broadened the focus from Trinitarian mediation to direct thanksgiving to a unified divine source, using poetic descriptors ("manifold goodness," "tender care").
Retained the BCP’s structure (address, thanksgiving, petition, commitment, conclusion) and enriched it with imagery ("bounty of thy creation," "season") to evoke a sense of wonder and fullness.
Kept archaic pronouns ("thee," "thy") and balanced phrasing ("not only in word, but in deed") to mirror the original’s elegance and moral call.
Emphasized gratitude as both personal and universal, suitable for individual or communal use.
Optional Thanksgiving Blessing
To complement the prayer, here’s an adapted blessing for a Thanksgiving service or meal:
"May the Eternal God, whose hand hath filled the earth with plenty and whose heart overfloweth with kindness, bless you this day. May your tables be laden with joy, your spirits lifted with thanks, and your lives knit together in the bonds of peace, that ye may ever dwell in the light of divine favor, world without end. Amen."
Notes:
Uses harvest imagery ("filled the earth with plenty") and relational warmth ("knit together") to suit a Thanksgiving context, avoiding Trinitarian formulas.
Maintains a threefold blessing ("joy… thanks… peace") for rhetorical flourish, echoing the BCP’s style without doctrinal specificity.
How This Fits in Practice
This adapted Thanksgiving Prayer could be used in various settings:
Standalone Devotion: Recited at home, perhaps before a meal or as part of a personal thanksgiving moment, paired with a psalm (e.g., Psalm 65, “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness,” unchanged).
Liturgical Service: Integrated into a Eucharist or special Thanksgiving Day liturgy, following readings or a hymn, with the congregation responding, “Amen” or “We give thee thanks, O Lord.”
Communal Gathering: Spoken at a family or community event, with the Blessing added to conclude, fostering a shared sense of gratitude.
The language is expansive yet intimate, designed to resonate aloud and stir a collective spirit of appreciation. It keeps the BCP’s ability to elevate everyday thanks into a sacred act, adaptable for formal worship or casual reflection.
Below is an adapted version of a section from the Penitence liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), inspired by the 1979 BCP’s “A Penitential Order” (e.g., from Rite II) and prayers of confession, revised to remove Trinitarian references and Nicene Creed elements while preserving the richness of its language. This adaptation maintains the BCP’s tone of contrition, humility, and hope for renewal, focusing on a singular divine presence and universal themes of mercy and restoration.
Adapted Penitential Prayer and Absolution
Original Context (1979 BCP, Rite II, Penitential Order, excerpt):
Confession:
"Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed… We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen."
Absolution:
"Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen."
Revised Version:
Prayer of Penitence:
"O Thou who art the Eternal Fountain of mercy, we come before thee with hearts bowed low, confessing that we have strayed from thy paths in thought, word, and deed. We have turned from thy light, neglecting the love thou hast called us to bear, and have wounded both ourselves and those around us. In sorrow we seek thee, and with humble voice we cry for thy pardon. O Lord of all compassion, look upon our frailty, wash us in thy boundless grace, and turn us anew to thy ways, that we may find joy in thy service and peace in thy presence, now and evermore. Amen."
Declaration of Forgiveness:
"May the Eternal God, whose mercy knoweth no end, look with kindness upon you. May your burdens be lifted by divine forgiveness, your spirits restored by boundless goodness, and your steps guided evermore in the way of life and truth. Amen."
Notes on Changes:
Prayer of Penitence:
Removed "Most merciful God" and "for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ," replacing them with "Eternal Fountain of mercy" and a direct plea to "Lord of all compassion."
Broadened the confession to focus on straying from divine paths ("turned from thy light") rather than Trinitarian mediation, keeping it personal and universal.
Retained the structure (address, confession, repentance, petition) and enriched it with imagery ("hearts bowed low," "wash us in thy boundless grace") to echo the BCP’s depth and solemnity.
Kept archaic "thee" and "thy" for continuity, with a hopeful turn ("joy in thy service") to reflect penitence as renewal, not just regret.
Declaration of Forgiveness:
Removed "Almighty God… through our Lord Jesus Christ… Holy Spirit," reframing it as a blessing from "Eternal God" with "boundless goodness."
Shifted "forgive you all your sins" to "your burdens be lifted," and "eternal life" to "way of life and truth," maintaining assurance without doctrinal specificity.
Used a rhythmic flow ("lifted… restored… guided") and gentle tone to mirror the BCP’s comforting absolution, suitable for a priest, lay leader, or personal reflection.
How This Fits in Practice
This adapted penitential section could be used in various contexts:
Liturgical Service: Incorporated into a Penitential Order (e.g., before Eucharist or Ash Wednesday), following a call to confession and scripture like Psalm 51 (“Have mercy on me, O God”), which needs no revision.
Personal Devotion: Prayed privately, perhaps with a moment of silence beforehand, as a daily or weekly act of self-examination and reconciliation.
Communal Rite: Recited in a group, with the Prayer spoken together and the Declaration offered by a leader, fostering shared repentance and renewal.
The language is both introspective and uplifting, designed to resonate in quiet reflection or spoken worship. It preserves the BCP’s ability to guide the penitent from guilt to grace, adaptable for formal or informal settings.
Optional Addition: Call to Penitence
To frame the prayer, here’s an adapted invitation:
"Hear the voice of the Eternal, who calleth us to return: Lay bare your hearts, seek the mercy that awaiteth, and find rest in the arms of divine love. Let us confess our wanderings and seek the path anew."
Notes:
Echoes biblical calls to repentance (e.g., Isaiah 55:7) without Trinitarian gloss, using poetic urgency ("lay bare your hearts") to set the stage.