Day 1079 · Year 3 · The Great Tradition
Cranmer on common prayer
An archbishop gave the church given words for every day.
Today's passage
Psalm 51:10-12
10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Berean Standard Bible · public domain
Reflection
Thomas Cranmer wrote prayers that the English-speaking church has been praying for almost five hundred years. He understood something pastors learn early: there are days when your heart has nothing to bring, and you need given words to lift you. Psalm 51 has been one of those given prayers for three thousand years. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God.' You do not have to manufacture words today. You can borrow these. The Spirit will pray them with you.
From the great tradition · paraphrased
Thomas Cranmer · Reformers · 16th c. · England
Cranmer crafted the Book of Common Prayer convinced that on the days the heart is dry, the believer needs strong given words — words shaped by Scripture — to pray back to God.
Paraphrase only. Scripture, not any teacher, is the authority.
Think it through
- What three things does David ask God to do in verses 10–12?
- Why do given prayers help on dry days?
- Pray Psalm 51:10–12 slowly. What word does the Spirit press home?
A prayer to pray
Pray Psalm 51:10–12 back to God, slowly, twice. Let it be your prayer when you do not have one of your own.