The Proper Preface

     For those who are new to the Anglican tradition the Proper Preface can be confusing. The preface is not listed in line with the other prayers but is found 37 pages ahead. There are 34 prefaces which can add to the confusion. The Proper Preface follows the Church calendar including special days of remembrance. These prayers orient us to the seasons of the church and to themes that are emphasized throughout these seasons. They make our prayers whole and well-rounded. 
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    Every preface starts with this phrase “It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” The seasonally changing Proper Prefaces give us new reasons to “give thanks” to the Lord. In Advent, the Proper Preface says that we are thankful that Jesus has come and will come again. At Christmas, we are thankful for the incarnation. In Epiphany, we are thankful that Jesus reveals the Glory of God. In Lent, we are thankful for our renewal. At Easter, we are thankful for the resurrection. At Pentecost, we are thankful for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the season after Pentecost, we are thankful for the Day of the Lord, that is our weekly Sunday worship. Every saint that we recognize on our calendar has a special Proper Preface assigned to them based on their Christian vocation. There are Proper Prefaces for Martyr’s, Missionaries, Pastors, Teachers, and Monastics. Every occasion of the church has a preface that points us back to a reason to “give thanks” to our Father Almighty.

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