The liturgical books

Lancelot Capel Sheppard

Liturgy, the prayer and praise of God by his people, must conform to the laws of the Church in order to be recognized by the Church. To assure this conformity, the books of the liturgy have undergone much reform through the centuries. One result of these reforms is a fuller participation in the official prayer of the Church by the laity. The author here traces the history of these books from their origins to their present, officially accepted forms, thus enabling us to understand; and understanding, to participate fully in the prayer of the Church.