I’m often struck by the timelessness of the prayers in the Book of Common Prayer. Sure, the language has been updated a few times since 1662–and more significant liturgical changes were made in 1928 and 1979–but many of the prayers remain essentially the same.
That the same prayers resonate from generation to generation reflects the universality of the human condition–we have the same fundamental hopes, needs, worries, and regrets as those who lived in vastly different times. So what does it mean when a traditional confession is fitting for these unprecedented times?
A Confession For These Unprecedented Times
Among the overused phrases of 2020, “unprecedented times” must be near the top of the list. It’s always bothered me because it is so egocentric, and ignores the pandemics, natural disasters, wars, and famine people have endured before. That prayers written centuries ago speak to what I’m grappling with today proves that these times are not so unprecedented after all. The timeliness of our traditional Lenten confession struck me in a less comforting way.
In these unprecedented times, haven’t we “denied the goodness in each other” by demonizing those who don’t agree with us, don’t see things the way we do, or see things differently?
In these unprecedented times, haven’t we be reckoning with the “evil we have done” to damage the environment?
In these unprecedented times, haven’t we been reckoning with the “evil done on our behalf,” especially the evils of systemic racism that underlie white privilege?
When a traditional confession shines a light on such current sins, I am reminded we still have far to go in loving each other as we are loved.
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
i’m not a Christian so I’ll admit that when I see prayers like this I tend to “bleep” over them, somehow thinking “this is not for me.” But when I read your post more carefully I was able to appreciate that these concepts are timeless, and universal. It’s important to examine the role we all play in the circumstances we face today, and recognize our responsibilities. Sounds like you’re really delving deep and making this a truly spiritual time for yourself. Thanks for posting!
Thank you for reading — and commenting. I think it’s easier to find fault in what we do (etc.) then to know how to “do better” but I’m working on that too. 😉
I’m not Christian as Jenny said nor am I very spiritual. But your words certainly ring true.
We blame what’s wrong on things out of our control but if we look hard, there are things that we can do – volunteering to help the less fortunate, less waste to the environment, treat people kinder, be more inclusive in those we include in our daily life, etc.
I think it was in one of your posts where I first read about this pandemic being called an “unprecedented time”. You are so right, it shows a lot of ignorance about history.
One of the things that worries me most is how we are destroying our environment. Sometimes I panic when I see that some of the damage is irreparable. Sooner or later we will have to pay for the evil we have done.