A: You might notice that the Book of Common Prayer has several eucharistic prayers that the priest can choose from. There is also a supplement to worship, called "Enriching our Worship" that has additional authorized prayers to use. While these prayers appear to be very different, they all follow the same structure. Understanding that structure will allow you to better understand the prayers or perhaps even attempt to write your own as an exercise. In Seminary, I wrote a eucharistic prayer for use in an outdoor worship space and it was a good way for me to learn about all the theological components that make the prayer whole. Note: only prayers approved and authorized by the Standing Liturgical Commission in the Episcopal Church (and passed through convention) can be used at a principal Sunday Eucharist service. However, the Book of Common Prayer has a section titled "An Order for Celebrating the Holy Eucharist" that provides a general framework for a eucharistic service in other settings. Look it up and see what you think.

The Eucharistic prayers we use in the Episcopal Church follow an ancient pattern. An Episcopal Eucharistic Prayer, or Great Thanksgiving, follows a consistent structure within the larger Holy Eucharist service, featuring: a dialogue (Sursum Corda), a thanksgiving for God's work (Preface), a hymn of praise (Sanctus), the Last Supper narrative (Institution Narrative), an appeal for the Holy Spirit (Epiclesis), intercessions, memorial, and concluding with a Doxology

and "Great Amen." It moves from general praise to specific remembrance of Christ, making present the sacrifice and gifts of bread and wine.

Key Components of the Eucharistic Prayer:

  1. Dialogue (Sursum Corda): A call-and-response between the celebrant and people ("The

    Lord be with you," "Lift up your hearts," "We lift them to the Lord," etc.) to prepare for

    prayer.

  2. Thanksgiving (Preface): The priest gives thanks for God's salvation history, often

    tailored to the season (e.g., Christmas, Easter). So, for Advent, you will hear "It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, God Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing."

  3. Hymn of Praise (Sanctus & Benedictus): The congregation sings or says "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might; Heaven and earth are full of your glory! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest" (Sanctus) ,"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!" (Benedictus). In doing so we join the angels in praise.

  4. Institution Narrative: The priest recounts Jesus' words and actions at the Last Supper, consecrating the bread and wine.

  5. Memorial Acclamation: A brief response by the people remembering Christ's death and resurrection. "Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith..."

  6. Epiclesis (Invocation of the Spirit): A prayer asking the Holy Spirit to bless and make these gifts the Body and Blood of Christ.

  7. Intercessions: Prayers for the Church, the world, the local community, and the departed. Sometimes these intercessions are part of the eucharistic prayer itself. Othertimes they are said during the Prayers of the People and are not restated during the eucharistic prayer.

  8. Doxology & Great Amen: A final, majestic praise to God, ending with the people's affirming "Amen".

The Eucharistic Prayer is the heart of the Liturgy of the Table, which follows the Liturgy of the Word (readings, sermon, Creed) in the Holy Eucharist service. Both the Liturgy of the Table and the Liturgy of the Word together make the full Eucharist service. They flow in and out of one another and must occur together. The gospel must be listened to and preached, the creed affirmed, prayers said, confession made, and peace exchanged before one is prepared to take the bread and wine. After the eucharistic prayer, the congregation says the Lord's Prayer, breaks the bread, and shares communion.

Author: The Reverend Ashley Wright