ndous debt of gratitude to the Book of Common Prayer, which fi rst came out in 1549, and along with the King James Bible, became the spiritual springboard for the spread of the British Empire. These Prayer Book notes are for those interested in learning more about this Anglican distinctive, and our use of it in worship, "to perform the mercy" of our redemption in Christ. It is hoped that clergy, seminarians, lay readers and many among the laity will fi nd the background material presented here useful devotionally and in the celebration of the Liturgy of our Church.