Since 1549, Anglican calendars and liturgies have provided Scripture readings and prayers for observing Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter morning. Although every congregation is not able to offer public worship every day, all Books of Common Prayer have preserved many ancient catholic traditions and made them available for individual as well as corporate devotion. Our Prayer Book heritage provides basic structures for our observances. There are the Church calendar and lectionaries, Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, the Lord's Supper, and family prayers. There are many readings and prayers from which to choose, and the Gospel accounts of Christ's Passion (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 12-19) always remain central. Following this great worship heritage reduces the likelihood of weird, extravagant, or inappropriate observances. It also provides great spiritual nourishment as we contemplate Christ's great work to redeem our souls!
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