To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year

Today is day 247 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Corporate Worship.

247. What is the role of Scripture in the Prayer Book?

The Book of Common Prayer is saturated with the Scriptures, organizing and orchestrating them for worship. It helps us to pray together in words God himself has given us, with order, beauty, joy, deep devotion, and great dignity. (Exodus 34:5–8; 1 Chronicles 29:10–13; Psalms 96:9; 118; Matthew 21:1–11; Revelation 7:9–12)

We will conclude today with The Collect for the Second Sunday of Epiphany found on page 602 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 246 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Corporate Worship.

246. Does structured liturgy inhibit sincere and vibrant worship?

No. A structured liturgy provides sincere worshipers biblical language and forms that train our hearts for worship. Liturgy enables us to worship God joyfully and with one voice. (2 Samuel 6:1–4; 2 Chronicles 29; Psalm 68:24–33; 1 Corinthians 14:26–33, 39–40; Revelation 7:9–8:5)

We will conclude today with Prayer 97. Preparation for Personal Prayer found on page 675 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 245 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Corporate Worship.

245. Why do Anglicans worship with a structured liturgy?

Anglicans worship with a structured liturgy because it embodies biblical patterns of worship, fosters reverence and love for God, deepens faith in Jesus Christ, and is in continuity with the practices of Israel and the Early Church. (Numbers 6:22–27; Deuteronomy 12:8–14; Psalm 96; Acts 2:42–47; Revelation 15; Didache 8–10)

We will conclude today with the First Prayer of the People in the Anglican Standard Text found on page 110 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 244 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Corporate Worship.

244. What is liturgy? Liturgy is an established pattern or form for the worship of God by God’s people. The liturgy leads us in the remembrance of God’s mighty acts and unites us in grateful response. (Exodus 15:1–21; Psalm 118; Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

We will conclude today with Proper 13 found on page 618 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 243 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

243. How should you pray in times of suffering?

I should pray trusting in the sufficiency of God’s grace and in joyful assurance that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” (Romans 5:3–5; see also Job 23; Psalm 22; John 12:23–26; 2 Corinthians 1:3–5; 1 Peter 4:12–19)

We will conclude today with the Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany found on page 602 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 242 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

242. What should you remember when prayers seem to go unanswered?

I should be certain that God always hears my prayers and answers

them by his wisdom, in his own time and manner, for my good, and for his glory. (Psalm 37:3–9; Isaiah 55; Habakkuk 3:17–19; Luke 18:1–8; James 4:2–3; 1 John 5:14–15)

We will conclude today with Prayer 100. For the Answering of Prayer found on page 675 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 241 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

241. What prayers should you learn as a part of your rule of prayer?

After learning the Lord’s Prayer, I should next aim to learn certain psalms (such as Psalms 23, 51, 95, 100, 150)and prayers from the Daily Office. These prayers will ground me in the Christian tradition of prayer and teach me how to pray in my own words.

We will conclude today with Prayer 90. For Grace to Seek God in Every Way found on page 672 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 240 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

240. With what attitude should you pray?

I should pray with humility, love, and a ready openness to hear and do God’s will. (2 Chronicles 7:13–15; Psalms 31; 46:10–11; Luke 18:9–14; Philippians 4:4–7)

We will conclude today with Prayer 97. Preparation for Personal Prayer found on page 675 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 239 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

239. What types of prayer are not included in the Lord’s Prayer?

Other types of prayer are thanksgiving, by which I give thanks to

God for his providential goodness and answers to my prayers; and oblation, by which I offer to him all that I am and all that I do. (2 Samuel 22; Psalm 63; Luke 1:38; 22:39–44; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:1–25; 13:15–16)

We will conclude today with Prayer 117. A Thanksgiving Prayer and Prayer 73. A Prayer for Self Dedication found on pages 681 and 668 of the Book of Commo...

Today is day 238 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

238. What is confession?

In confession, I acknowledge my sins in repentance before God and receive his forgiveness. (Nehemiah 1:4–11; Psalm 51; Jeremiah 36:1–3; Luke 23:39–43; Acts 2:14–41; 2 Corinthians 7:2–12; 1 John 1:9)

We will conclude today with The Confession of the Daily Office found on page 12 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily coll...

Today is day 237 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

237. What is intercession?

In intercession, I make requests to God on behalf of others, the Church, and the world. (Exodus 32:1–14; Psalm 20; John 17:6–26; Ephesians 3:14–21; 6:18–20)

We will conclude today with Prayer 40. For All Sorts and Conditions of Men found on page 658 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 236 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

236. What is petition?

In petition, I make requests to God on my own behalf for his provision and protection. (1 Samuel 1; 2 Kings 20:1–7; Psalm 86; John 17:1–5; 2 Corinthians 12:1–10; Philippians 4:6–7)

We will conclude today with Prayer 98. For the Acceptance of Prayer found on page 675 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 235 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

235. What is praise?

In praise, I glorify and adore God for his holiness, his sovereign rule over all, and his salvation given in Jesus Christ. (Exodus 15:1–21; Psalm 111; Luke 1:39–56; Ephesians 1:3–14)

We will conclude today with Psalm 150 found on page 467 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily...

Today is day 234 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

234. What types of prayer are in the Lord’s Prayer?

The Lord’s Prayer includes praise, petition, intercession, and confession to God. (Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 11:2–4)

We will conclude today with Prayer 97. Preparation for Personal Prayer found on page 675 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects...

Today is day 233 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer.

233. Are there different ways to pray?

Yes. Prayer can be private or public, liturgical or extemporaneous, spoken or silent. (1 Samuel 1:1–20; 1 Kings 8:22–61; Psalm 142; Matthew 11:25–28; Mark 1:35–39; Luke 6:12–16; Hebrews 5:7–10)

We will conclude today with Prayer 89. For Seeking God found on page 672 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collec...

Today is day 232 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture.

232. How should you “inwardly digest” Scripture?

I should meditate on Scripture and let it shape my thoughts and prayers. As I absorb Scripture, it deepens my knowledge of God, becomes the lens through which I understand my life and the world around me, and guides my attitudes and actions. (Joshua 1:1–9; Psalms 1:2; 119:1–8, 113–28; John 15:1–11; Colossians 3:16–17)

We will conclude today with Prayer 74. For Desiring God found on page 668 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 231 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture.

231. How should you “learn” the Bible?

I should seek to know the whole sweep of Scripture and to memorize key passages for my own spiritual growth and for sharing with others. (Psalm 119:9–16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:10–17)

We will conclude today with Prayer 75. For Holy Thought found on page 668 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Or...

Today is day 230 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture.

230. How should you “mark” passages of Scripture?

I should study the Bible attentively, noting key verses and themes, as well as connections between passages in the Old and New Testaments. I should study on my own and with other Christians, using trustworthy commentaries and other resources to grasp the full meaning of God’s Word. (Psalm 119:129–44; Luke 24:44–49; Acts 17:1–15)

We will conclude today with Prayer 70. For Inner Renewal through the Word found on page 670 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 229 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture.

229. How should you “read” the Bible?

I should read the Bible daily, following the Church’s set readings (lectionaries)or following a pattern of my own choosing. (Deuteronomy 17:18–20; Psalm 119:97–112; Acts 8:26–40)

We will conclude today with Prayer 88. For Daily Growth found on page 672 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

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Today is day 228 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture.

228. How should you “hear” the Bible?

I should hear the Bible through regular participation in the Church’s worship, in which I join in reciting Scripture, hear it read and prayed, and listen to its truth proclaimed. (Nehemiah 8:1–8, 18; Psalm 81; Luke 4:16–30; 1 Timothy 4:6–16; Revelation 1:1–3)

We will conclude today with The Bishop's Blessing of the Lectern found on page 529 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 227 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture.

227. How should the Holy Scriptures shape your daily life?

I should “hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” that by the sustaining power of God’s Word, I may grow in grace and hold fast to the hope given to me in Jesus Christ. (Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent, Book of Common Prayer 2019; see also Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Psalm 119:1–48; Luke 2:39–52; James 1:18–27; 2 Peter 3:18)

We will conclude today with The Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent found on page 598 of the Book of Co...

Today is day 226 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture, Prayer, and Worship.

226. What nurtures a fruitful life of prayer?

My life of prayer is fed by the regular reading of Scripture, practice of personal prayer, and corporate worship of God. The ancient threefold rule of the Church encourages weekly Communion, the Daily Office, and private devotions to shape this way of life. (Psalm 1; John 15:1–17; Ephesians 5:15–20; Philippians 4:8–9; Hebrews 10:19–25)

We will conclude today with Proper 13 found on page 618 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 225 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture, Prayer, and Worship.

225. What can hinder your regular prayers?

My prayers may be hindered by many things, such as lethargy or loss, selfishness or sin, distractions or difficulties, or seasons of spiritual dryness. With God’s help, a rule of prayer strengthens me to overcome all these. (1 Kings 19:1–18; Psalm 116; Matthew 26:36–46; Luke 20:45–47; Romans 8:22–27)

We will conclude today with the Collect for The Fourth Sunday in Advent found on page 599 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 224 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Scripture, Prayer, and Worship.

224. What is a “rule” of prayer?

A rule of prayer is a regular discipline by which I cultivate a life of prayer and grow to love and glorify God more fully. (Psalms 5:1–3; 119:164; Daniel 6:6–13; Mark 1:35–39; Luke 5:12–16; Ephesians 6:10–20)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Purity found on page 106 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 223 and we are on the section of the Doxology and the Amen.

223. Why do you end the Lord’s Prayer by saying “Amen”?

By saying “Amen,” which means “so be it,” I declare my agreement with the prayer. I unite with the faithful, and together we pray as Jesus commanded, believing that our petitions please the Father, and trusting that he will hear and answer us. (Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6; Psalms 72:18–19; 106:48; 2 Corinthians 1:19–20; Revelation 19:1–4)

We will conclude today with Prayer 93. A Covenant Prayer found on page 673 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 222 and we are on the section of the Doxology and the Amen.

222. What does “kingdom, power, and glory” mean?

Mirroring the first half of the Lord’s Prayer, the Church rejoices that God is already reigning over all creation, working out his holy will, and hallowing his Name in earth and heaven. (1 Chronicles 29:11–13; Revelation 5:11–14)

We will conclude today with the Doxology of Canticle 10 found on page 88 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 221 and we are on the section of the Doxology and the Amen.

221. What is the doxology of the Lord’s Prayer?

The doxology often added to the Lord’s Prayer is “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13). A doxology is a short phrase or hymn giving glory to God. (Ephesians 3:20–21; 1 Timothy 1:17)

We will conclude today with the Lord's Prayer.

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Today is day 220 and we are on the section The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

220. How does God deliver you from evil?

Jesus has conquered the dominion of darkness and now grants me

victory over sin and evil through the Holy Spirit. He transforms my mind and heart to see and oppose evil, and gives me the power to overcome it. He gives me strength to endure my trials gracefully and may even remove them from me. (Psalm 23; Ezekiel 36:24–27; Matthew 10:16–20; John 17:11–17; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; James 4:7–8; 1 Peter 5:8–9)

We will conclude today with A Collect fo...

Today is day 219 and we are on the section The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

219. From what evil do you seek to be delivered?

I seek to be delivered from my own fallen inclination toward evil. I also seek God’s deliverance from the devil; from the dangers of the day and night; from sorrow, sickness, and horror; from injustice and oppression; and from everlasting damnation. (Psalm 91; Luke 18:1–8; 22:31–32; Romans 7:15–25; 2 Corinthians 1:8–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2; 1 Peter 5:8–9; “The Great Litany,” Book of Common Prayer 1662)

We will conclude today with The Second Collect for Easter Day found on page 610 in the...

In this bonus podcast for day 219, we are praying the Great Litany found on page 91 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). The prayer is prescribed for Question 219 but is too long for a normal daily episode.

Today is day 218 and we are on the section The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

218. How does God redeem evil?

Though disaster, disease, death, and the evil deeds of his creatures may cause great harm and suffering, the almighty and all wise God can use them to bring about his good purposes, both in the world and in my life. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 5:3–5; 8:28; Hebrews 12:3–11)

We will conclude today with Canticle 1 found on page 79 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 217 and we are on the section The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

217. How does God overcome evil in this world?

God has triumphed over all the powers of evil through the death, resurrection, and ascension of his Son, Jesus Christ. God will finally destroy all evil, including death, at the end of the age. (Psalms 46; 110:1; Isaiah 52:7–10; Daniel 7:9–14; Luke 21:25–28; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28; Colossians 2:13–15; Hebrews 2:7–9, 14–15; Revelation 21:1–8)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Resurrection Hope in Evening Prayer found on page 49 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 216 and we are on the section The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

216. What are angels?

Angels are rational, spiritual beings created by God. God’s holy angels joyfully serve him in heavenly worship, and God appoints them to act as messengers, bringing words of guidance and assurance to the faithful, and assisting and protecting them. (Numbers 22:21–31; Psalm 148:1–6; Isaiah 6:2–3; Luke 1:19, 26–33; Acts 12:7–11; Hebrews 1:7–14; 13:2)

We will conclude today with The Collect for Holy Michael and All Angels found on page 632 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 215 and we are on the section on The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

215. How did Satan and his angels turn to evil?

Satan and his angels were overcome by envy and pride and rebelled against God. (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:12–19; 1 Timothy 3:6; Jude 6; Revelation 12:7–12)

We will conclude today with The Collect for Thursday in Easter Week found on page 611 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 214 and we are on the section The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

214. What are Satan and his demons?

Demons, of whom Satan is chief, are fallen angels. Satan rebelled against God and led other angels to follow him. They now cause spiritual and sometimes physical harm to mortals, and they sow lies that lead to confusion, despair, sin, and death. (Job 1–2; Daniel 10:20–21; Luke 8:26–29; 9:37–43; 11:14–26; Acts 16:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10)

We will conclude today with The Collect for the First Sunday in Lent found on page 605 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would...

Today is day 213 and we are on the section on The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

213. Did evil exist before the human race embraced it?

Yes. Satan had already opposed God and chosen evil when he tempted Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3: 1–5; John 8:44)

We will conclude today with The First Collect of Compline found on page 63 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 212 and we are on the section on The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

212. Is God responsible for evil?No. The sinful choices of his creatures do not implicate God in evil in any way. (Deuteronomy 30:15–19; Romans 7:7–25; James 1:13–15)

We will conclude today with Proper 6 found on page 616 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collec...

Today is day 211 and we are on the section on The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

211. If God is good, why does he permit evil?

God created rational creatures free to love, obey, and worship him, but we have used our freedom to reject his love, rebel against him, and choose evil. Yet no evil can thwart God’s purposes, and he is able to use evil to bring about even greater good. (Genesis 6:5; Judges 2:19–23; Psalm 10; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 8:18–28; Hebrews 2:8–18; Revelation 2:18–29)

We will conclude today with A Collect for Peace found on page 23 in...

Today is day 210 and we are on the section on The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

210. What is evil?

Evil is the willful perversion of God’s will. Evil defies God’s holiness, violates his Law, enslaves us to sin, and mars his good creation. (Genesis 3:1–19; 4:1–8; 6:5; Proverbs 1:10–19; Isaiah 59:4–13; Mark 7:20–23; 1 John 3:4)

We will conclude today with The Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent found on page 605 in the Book of Common Prayer (2019).

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Today is day 209 and we are on the section on The Seventh Petition: "But deliver us from evil".

209. What is the seventh petition?

The seventh petition is “But deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)

We will conclude today with The Lord's Prayer.

If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism.

Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS.

Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Chur...