Steven L. Case. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002. 128 pp. $19.99.
While serving in youth ministry in an Episcopal church, Steven Case came to value The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) as one of the most important tools in his ministry “next to the Bible (and caffeine, of course).” He decided to write an “uncommon” book based on the BCP, where the prayers would be directly related to the obstacles and challenges teenagers face daily.
The dozens of prayers in this book can be used in worship services, youth meetings, private devotions and in other contexts. Easily located alphabetically by subject, the prayers deal with concerns like acceptance, courage, determination, enemies, family, faith, final exams, forgiveness, grief, hard times, homework, hope, justice, and many more. Prayers cover the Christian year and several special occasions throughout the year.
Case weaves into his liturgies a warm and sensitive empathy for the concerns of young worshipers. The book also contains a section specifically intended for youth ministers. This book and the accompanying CD are valuable user-friendly resources that will enrich the worship of young people in a wide range of churches.