In addition I wanted to add that my lectionary has the same evening versicle that yours does and the Gloria Patri (because our lectionary for certain parts is based on the Book of Common Prayer). To be honest, I sometimes still forget to say the introductory prayers and when I remember, I will say an Orthodox prayer to start my reading. And our daily psalm reading mainly follows the Book of Common Prayer. So I can definitely see patterns. The psalms for Fridays are more penitential and reflect more of Christ’s sufferings. Oh… and I always close my readings with the Lord’s Prayer.

I did a Bible study last night (yes on a Friday night–that’s what happens when your close friends are Christians!) with some friends and acquaintances from a variety of tradiions, and it was interesting to see how some of these people understand the idea of set prayer. I believe it is a wonderful gift for us, but some in the group are more comfortable with extemporaneous prayer, and I respect that in them.

What book of prayers do you carry? I have a copy of St Augustine’s Prayer Book, but I admit I haven’t really used it.

As I mentioned in a previous post I follow a lectionary. I usually pray one or two psalms in the morning and read the Gospel in the morning. In the evening I do one chapter from the Old Testament and typically a portion from the epistles as well as a few more psalms. In addition, my lectionary provides commentary on at least one of the readings each day.

I am currently reading through Matthew. In the Old Testament, I am reading a chapter of Jeremiah each day; and the other portion I am reading is from Ecclesiastes. I usually say the Lord’s Prayer and then do additional prayers afterward.

In addition, I have a small pocket psalter as well as a book of prayers. I actually prefer to use my pocket psalter. I like to say a few psalms throughout the day.

Thanks for this wonderful post, Holly!