The Canterbury Book of New Parish Prayers

Author Max Kramer
Publisher Canterbury Press £19.99
Format hbk
ISBN 9781786223036

This beautifully produced hardback is an ideal addition to every minister’s library. The author is Precentor at Canterbury Cathedral, responsible for leading the intercessions at choral evensong. In his public role, he is required each day to deliver excellence, and this collection of original collects and bidding prayers certainly fits that description. The book is a model for good intercessions, with well-balanced but modern phrases, which update the sometimes hackneyed 20th century collections which most of us have acquired. Anyone called to lead intercessions in worship will find not only inspiration and wisdom, but also clarity and sensitivity. It is not a short book – there are over 300 pages – so one can find useful material for nearly every occasion; there is seasonal material through the church year, pastoral prayers, material for human tragedies and for the full panoply of human endeavour. Kramer also provides sensible guidance on delivering intercessions and writing your own material. In summary, this is an encyclopaedia of good practice in public prayer, and highly recommended. It would make an ideal gift for ordinands or newly licensed Readers.

Reviewed by LEONARD RICKARD

Intercessory prayer