Late Anglo-Saxon Prayer in Practice

This monograph examines the practice of Anglo-Saxon prayer, especially in private, outside of the communal liturgy. With a particular emphasis on the practical aspects of prayer, it considers how small groups of prayers were elaborated into complex programs for personal devotion, resulting in the forerunners of the Special Offices. With examples being taken chiefly from three major eleventh-century prayer collections, the methodologies of Anglo-Saxon compilers are examined, beginning with the creation of personal ordines for liturgical feasts and prayer for the canonical Hours. This is followed by three chapters on more specialist kinds of prayer: prayer to the Holy Cross, confessions, and prayer rituals for use in protection and healing. Analyzing prayer in a wide range of different situations, this book argues that Anglo-Saxon manuscripts may have included far more private Offices than have so far been recognized, if we see them for what they were.