Bishop Peter Brain wrote the reflections in Our Rich Liturgical Heritage for general readers as well as those who may not be aware of either the biblical basis or the heart-beat of our Anglican liturgies. The book provides bite-size contemplations that can encourage believers to explore not only their own beliefs but also the basis of commonality within their Christian community.

Whether you’re an individual looking for personal meditative material or a study group seeking ideas for discussion, these reflections will undergird and expand your knowledge and understanding of the background and biblical sources of Anglican liturgy.

Foreword

'Peter Brain delights in the rich spiritual heritage of Anglican liturgy. In this book, he reflects on a wide range of liturgical elements in A Prayer Book for Australia (1995), and encourages worshippers to live out the gospel in daily life.

A warm sense of gratitude for God’s grace and costly love, which allows the reconciliation of God and humankind through Christ, comes across strongly as Bishop Peter reflects on the dangers of wrongdoing, and considers them within a robust Trinitarian spirituality. Incarnation and expiation for sin are never separated, and the Holy Spirit’s gracious work is prominent. The Catholic Faith is explored so that it may be lived out – with the hope of new creation in view.

This book is a helpful complement to my Australian Anglicans Worship: performing APBA. That volume concentrates on the background and contents of APBA, and how it is designed to ‘work. Bishop Peter’s reflections, in contrast, focus on how particular texts enable worshippers to enter more deeply into God’s truth, leading the reader beyond information to transformation in Christ. A good example is the opening reflection on the Prayer of Preparation: compare this with pages 239-240 of Australian Anglicans Worship.

When I was confirmed, I was given a small book, Holy Communion: preparation and companion, by Bishop W. Walsham How (SPCK, 1956). Bishop Peter’s book recalled to mind this spiritual classic. Our Rich Liturgical Heritage will make an excellent resource for small groups to use, or as part of confirmation preparation.'

The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock AM

Title: Our Rich Liturgical Heritage
Author: Peter Brain
ISBN: 9781922441157
Publisher: Broughton Publishing
Date: 2025