Reformation Anglican Worship: Experiencing Grace, Expressing Gratitude (The Reformation Anglicanism Essential Library, Volume 4)

““Liturgical worship has become the focus of much controversy as different provinces of the Anglican Communion have followed divergent paths. This book situates Anglican devotion in Holy Scripture and emphasizes the importance of both preaching and sacramental practice. A clarion call to a renewed way of thinking about these key subjects, it is faithful to the tradition without being hidebound to antiquarianism. Pastors, students, and liturgists will all benefit.”

“Michael Jensen offers a new generation of Anglicans a refreshing opportunity to investigate and appreciate the Book of Common Prayer and its biblical roots. Cranmer’s liturgies enable the grace of the gospel to be heard and gratitude to be expressed with repentance, faith, dedication, service, and praise. Jensen happily combines biblical, theological, historical, and liturgical insights to reveal the ongoing potential of this Reformation standard for edifying churches and promoting God-honoring worship today.”

“This book will help Anglicans around the world better understand and appreciate our Reformation heritage, its foundations in Holy Scripture, and its relevance for churches today. More than that, it will help us ground our worship, corporate or otherwise, in the gracious gospel of Jesus Christ.”

“Reformation Anglican Worship is one of the most important books written in the last century and should be a prominent feature on every Anglican bookshelf. It abounds with quotable, concise, and meaningful insights that extend from Cyril of Alexandria to J. C. Ryle, giving the reader confidence to unravel the knotty problems that have intimidated many.”

“This fresh expression of Anglican spirituality roots our lives and our worship in the Scriptures, reminding us that the biblical narrative is preeminent in forming our worshipful and lived responses to God’s grace.”

“A clear understanding of Cranmer’s prayer book—its background, content, meaning, and purpose—is essential if we are to continue in harmony as Anglican Christians. My wish is that every Anglican bishop, clergy, and layperson would read this excellent book.”

“Michael Jensen not only gives us the historical and theological understanding of worship but also applies the principles to Anglican worship today. This is an essential book for Anglicans and all who are interested in learning the roots of Reformation Anglican worship.”

“Jensen emphasizes the priority of grace in Christian worship. Because we experience God’s abundant grace in forgiveness and healing, we can respond to him with gratitude, both personally and corporately. This results in fresh grace received for living the Christian life. The centrality of God’s word, preached and taught, is everywhere in this book, but the author does not neglect the sacraments as channels of grace and means of receiving Christ. Jensen has given us a stimulating book for considering afresh the issues raised during the English Reformation and their impact on corporate worship.”

“I am thrilled with this clear, concise statement of the Reformation Anglican view of worship in language that is generous and accessible. Michael Jensen makes it clear that the Anglican Reformers simply wanted the prayer book to be God-centered, Christ-centered, and Bible-centered. I hope and expect that this volume will receive a wide readership.”

“Michael Jensen’s contribution to the Reformation Anglicanism Essential Library brings into sharp focus the grace-filled gospel center of historic Anglican worship and makes a spirited case for the place and purpose of preaching, prayer, song, and sacrament in the contemporary Christian gathering.”