Advent & The Great Litany

"That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples, we beseech thee to hear us, good Lord." (BCP 150)

This Sunday, the 10:30 am Mass will begin with the Great Litany sung in procession. 

The Great Litany holds a distinctive place in Anglican liturgy and devotion. It is the first officially authorized English-language liturgical text, compiled by Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer in 1544. Cranmer introduced the Litany during a time of national crisis, reflecting the profound pastoral and theological shifts of the English Reformation. Rooted in ancient Christian prayer forms, it blends petitions for mercy, intercession, and deliverance with rich scriptural allusions. It conveys a comprehensive prayer for the Church, the nation, and the whole human family. The gives voice to universal spiritual needs and the immediate concerns of human life, underscoring Anglican tradition's commitment to weaving together prayer with daily life.

In Anglican worship, the Great Litany serves as a reminder of our dependency on God’s mercy and grace. Its cadence of penitence and intercession reflects the depth of human need and the vastness of divine provision. Historically, it was recited during times of national emergency, Lent, and other solemn occasions, but it remains a powerful expression of communal faith. For us today, the Great Litany connects us with centuries of Christian devotion, linking our prayers with those of generations who have gone before us in faith, who have sought God’s guidance and protection in uncertain times. Through its use, we are reminded of the Church's mission to pray without ceasing, entrusting all concerns, great and small, to the care of our Creator.

The Great Litany can be found in the Book of Common Prayer on page 148.