The Prayer of Humble Access: A Close Reading of the Most Sublime Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer

Part Six: Thomas Cranmer’s Top Ten Prayers, Phrases, and Proclamations That Shape Our Faith

Continuing in our series on Thomas Cranmer’s Top Ten, we come to The Prayer of Humble Access.

Before we begin, I want to say this plainly: my words today are far from perfect. The subject deserves more than I can offer. These reflections feel like dust compared to the weight and beauty of the prayer itself. Please forgive what is lacking.

I offer three brief thoughts before we move into the heart of today’s post:

1. I’m releasing this in time for Sunday worship to highlight the quiet beauty of a prayer often spoken after the Eucharistic prayers and just before communion is received: The Prayer of Humble Access.

2. If you attend an Anglican church this Sunday, I encourage you to take a moment to read this exposition of the prayer—originally penned by our great English reformer, Thomas Cranmer.

3. And even if you don’t worship in an Anglican context, read the prayer aloud. Let it speak. It has moved me for decades. I believe it will move you too.

David Roseberry+
The Anglican

PS: Please upgrade your subscription to access all of this post and every post in the series for the rest of the year. It is only $8/month and if you buy a full year, it is much less—20% less. $80 for the entire year!

---