As with the Bible, lowercase “the” and title case Book of Common Prayer.

As with the Bible, lowercase “the” and title case Book of Common Prayer.

Below, find prayers written by members of The Episcopal Church’s Public Policy, Partnership, and Witness Division in collaboration with other Church Center departments. Episcopalians are invited to share and speak these prayers in congregations, small groups, and individually.  Join us each week as we share new prayers for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears,…

By Heather Melton, UTO Staff Officer Did you know that historically All Saints’ Day was one of the two days designated for the UTO Ingathering (the other being Ascension Day)? While it has fallen out of fashion for the Ingathering, it is still a great day for practicing gratitude. For many congregations, All Saints’ Day…

Avoid unnecessary capitals; there is an institutional tendency to overuse capitals to indicate prominence or significance. Standard publication guidance for what and when to capitalize: Guidance for when to capitalize and lowercase certain terms: Guidance for religious references:

See the categories below for guidance on clergy, composition, event, and formal titles. clergy and religious titles: The first reference to a clergy member (bishop, priest, or deacon) normally should include a capitalized title before the individual’s first and last names. On second reference, use only a last name.  See also Associated Press Style Guide, Guide to Rules…

See the categories below for guidance on clergy, composition, event, and formal titles. clergy and religious titles: The first reference to a clergy member (bishop, priest, or deacon) normally should include a capitalized title before the individual’s first and last names. On second reference, use only a last name.  See also Associated Press Style Guide, Guide to Rules…

RCL: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Opening Prayer | Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy…

In citations, abbreviate “page” as p., and “pages” as pp.: (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 206-207). (Chicago style)

The United Thank Offering Board announces the opening of its 2027 annual grants process, with a focus on projects that seek to connect churches, dioceses, and provinces with the unique needs of their local communities. Applicants for this round are asked to observe three deadlines to complete the process: Dec. 4, Jan. 8, and Feb. 5.

RCL: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 Opening Prayer | Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,…

If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)  Join us each week as we share new prayers for the…

RCL: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 Opening Prayer |  Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen….

The Way of Love Photo: David Rider The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It’s a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. The Big Way of Love for Kids The Big Way…

If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)  Join us each week as we share new prayers for the…

[RCL] Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Children learn at an early age to measure success by how well they succeed at tests. You are taught to study hard and to engage in class discussions along the way, seeking the necessary insights to excel in your coursework. But often there is…

[RCL] Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Paul’s letter to the church in Thessaloniki is believed to be the first of his surviving letters to be included in the Bible. This makes it the earliest existing example of Christian writing about Jesus and the emerging community of his followers. Evidence in the…

[RCL] Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 It’s possible that the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” referred to at the end of this parable is being performed by anybody who has to preach on this Gospel passage this morning. The kingdom of heaven is like … a king with anger issues, a…

[RCL] Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 It’s possible that the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” referred to at the end of this parable is being performed by anybody who has to preach on this Gospel passage this morning. The kingdom of heaven is like … a king with anger issues, a…

[RCL] Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Paul’s letter to the church in Thessaloniki is believed to be the first of his surviving letters to be included in the Bible. This makes it the earliest existing example of Christian writing about Jesus and the emerging community of his followers. Evidence in the…

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe Photo: Cassandra Reese The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Bishop Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local…

The Book of Common Prayer is a volume that contains the core worship and devotional texts of The Episcopal Church, along with other important resources. The word “common” in the title does not mean “ordinary” but “enjoyed by all.” Each church in the Anglican tradition worships according to a book of common prayer, which provides them with a…

Welcome Welcome to The Episcopal Church (virtual) Undercroft! We know that much of the real work of parish life gets done in basements, coffee hours, and other unofficial settings, and we have gathered and named this content in honor of those spaces. These resources are primarily intended for those active in church work—governance, leadership formation, communications, stewardship, and much more—to assist you with your ministry. Not finding what you are…

From their final grant report Note: We’re sharing this story today because the grant recipient really understands the beauty of UTO. Even though we will likely never meet in person, our thank offerings are impacting an entire community, and for that, we all give thanks together. Did this project change how you see gratitude? Yes….

The Episcopal Church’s liturgical and devotional containing some, but not all, of the texts authorized by General Convention. See Episcopal Common Prayer, the church’s official liturgical website.

Last updated July 2026 by the Office of Public Affairs. The Episcopal Church writing style guide is a reference tool intended to provide professional guidance, consistency, and clarity in church-related publications, including newsletters, press releases, website copy, email announcements, video text, and other printed materials. The guide is designed especially for use by Episcopal Church…

[RCL]: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 Today’s Gospel reading merits a bit of investigation—it needs to be mined to find the gold.                                                                First of all, some notes about the text.  This passage appears only in Matthew—and it’s only in Matthew that we hear Jesus use the word “church”—so it probably holds a bit…

The Episcopal Church’s liturgical and devotional containing some, but not all, of the texts authorized by General Convention. See Episcopal Common Prayer, the church’s official liturgical website.

[RCL] Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Someone with a lot of time on their hands once estimated that during his ministry, Jesus asked 307 questions, was asked 183 questions by others, and gave direct answers to only three questions. John the Baptist asks Jesus early on in his ministry, “Are you…

[RCL]: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11,20-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 Peter asks Jesus about the number of times we must forgive. We know from our Gospel stories that Peter was very human and made lots of mistakes. He had a tendency to blurt things out and wear his heart on his sleeve. In…

[RCL]: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 Today’s Gospel reading merits a bit of investigation—it needs to be mined to find the gold.                                                                First of all, some notes about the text.  This passage appears only in Matthew—and it’s only in Matthew that we hear Jesus use the word “church”—so it probably holds a bit…

Baptismal Covenant “Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292). A mini catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the Baptismal Covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds…

Last updated July 2026 by the Office of Public Affairs. The Episcopal Church writing style guide is a reference tool intended to provide professional guidance, consistency, and clarity in church-related publications, including newsletters, press releases, website copy, email announcements, video text, and other printed materials. The guide is designed especially for use by Episcopal Church…

Use quotation marks around book titles. Exceptions: the Bible and other holy books (Quran, Torah), the Book of Common Prayer, and reference…

In citations, abbreviate “page” as p., and “pages” as pp.: (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 206-207). (Chicago style)

Use quotation marks around book titles. Exceptions: the Bible and other holy books (Quran, Torah), the Book of Common Prayer, and reference…

ANGLICAN COMMUNION: Churches around the world that are in communion with each other and with the See of Canterbury, (i.e., Church of England) and that hold the same faith, order, and worship. According to the Anglican Consultative Council, the Anglican Communion is composed of 38 autonomous churches together with a small group of extra-provincial dioceses…

The Episcopal Church, its History and its long Heritage The Episcopal Church boasts a long history. The Episcopal Church, a hierarchical church, traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity. The Episcopal Church is an independent church which is a constituent member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Its origin is in the planting of the…

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has urged Episcopalians to observe Sunday, August 17, as a day of prayer for those in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East living in fear of their lives, livelihoods, and ways of living and believing.   Her call for prayer is in response to violence in Iraq that has…

[RCL]: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11,20-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 Peter asks Jesus about the number of times we must forgive. We know from our Gospel stories that Peter was very human and made lots of mistakes. He had a tendency to blurt things out and wear his heart on his sleeve. In…

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication is offering live webcasts of Good Friday and Sunday Easter Services from the Cathedral Church of St. Mark’s in Salt Lake City (Diocese of Utah).  All will be available at no fee at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/live-demand-worship “Live webcasting services from the Cathedral of St Mark’s in Salt Lake City provides our…

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has joined other religious leaders from the National Council of Churches in calling for a commitment of daily prayers for the President, Vice-President, United States Congress and elected officials beginning January 3 until January 21. January 3 is the first day of the new Congress; January 21 is…

World Mission Sunday is March 2 in The Episcopal Church. Traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday after Epiphany, the purpose of World Mission Sunday is to focus on the global impact of the Baptismal Covenant’s call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 305), and to raise our awareness…

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication offers ways to observe Good Friday and celebrate Easter with two seasonal liturgical programs. On Good Friday, April 2, the penitential Stations of the Cross will be available online at www.episcopalchurch.org/stations beginning Good Friday, April 2. Originating from St. Mary The Virgin Episcopal Church in New York City, Stations…

As mandated in General Convention 2009 Resolution A096, The Episcopal Church Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) is soliciting views, opinions and feedback on Holy Women, Holy Men, a major revision of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. The Rev. Ruth Meyers, Ph.D., Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics at Church Divinity School of the Pacific and SCLM…

The Episcopal Church Office of Black Ministries has issued a free Lenten Study Resource designed to invite all ages to participate in the reflective nature of Lent. The Lenten Study Resource, “Fill Me, Use Me…for the Work of Ministry” is available here http://www.episcopalchurch.org/black “The Lenten Study Resource has been designed upon the foundation of faith…

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication will air two seasonal liturgical programs: the penitential Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and a live festive Easter morning service. Stations of the Cross will be available online at www.episcopalchurch.org/stations beginning Good Friday, April 2. Originating from St. Mary The Virgin Episcopal Church in New York City,…