Required reading
Thoughts on public prayer by Samuel Miller (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 3.
My summary
This week Miller sums up his arguments against liturgies.
Liturgies:
(i) should not be prescribed anymore than discourses;
(ii) have no countenance in the word of God;
(iii) were not prescribed or in use in the apostolic churches;
(iv) tend to restrain and discourage both the spirit and the gift of prayer;
(v) cannot be accommodated to all circumstances;
(vi) are often rejected when there is spiritual fervour;
(vii) are often rejected in certain exigencies in human life.
What grabbed me
I think Miller made important comments about how people can become dependent on liturgies: 'Bishop Wilkins, though a firm friend to the use of liturgies, when needed, argues strongly against confining ourselves to such "crutches," as he emphatically calls them; and expresses the opinion, that giving vent to the desires and affections of the heart in extemporary prayer, is highly favourable to lively religious feeling and growth in grace.'
People can certainly develop an unhealthy need for liturgy.
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 4 by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'XI The excellence of a public prayer may be marred by introducing into it a large portion of didactic statement...'
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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