For Christians drawn to the ancient rhythms of liturgical prayer, Common Prayer Canada makes the 1962 Canadian Book of Common Prayer accessible on your phone or tablet — completely free.^1
Developed by the Prayer Book Society of Canada (PBSC) in partnership with Episcopal priest and developer the Rev. Greg Johnston, the app launched in Advent 2020 as a way to introduce the BCP to a new generation.^2 It automatically generates full daily services — Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Compline, Midday Prayer, the Litany, Antecommunion, and Family Prayers — complete with Psalms, Bible lessons, seasonal collects, and proper variations for every day of the year.^1 Just press "Pray."
What sets Common Prayer Canada apart from other prayer apps is how deeply it honors the printed tradition while being genuinely modern. The typesetting mirrors the look of the physical Prayer Book, with classic drop caps and rubrics, while offering conveniences like night mode, adjustable fonts, reminder notifications, and three Bible translations (KJV, ESV, NRSV) built right in — no need to switch apps for the readings.^3 Both beginners and experienced liturgical pray-ers are well served: default settings make it approachable, while advanced customization options let seasoned Anglicans fine-tune every detail.^3
The app also includes the complete Coverdale Psalter of the 1962 Canadian BCP, a glossary of unfamiliar terms, and thoughtful instructions for transitioning from the app to praying with a physical Prayer Book and Bible — a rare feature that shows the PBSC's heart for formation, not just convenience.^3
In 2022, Common Prayer Canada expanded to include prayers in Inuktitut from the Eastern Arctic Inuktitut Bible translation, with plans for Inuinnaqtun, Walton Cree, and French. As the Rev. Chris Dow, rector at St. Jude's Cathedral in Iqaluit and dean of the Diocese of the Arctic, put it: "Really, the sky's the limit for this app in terms of the number of languages that could be added."^2 The French edition of the 1967 Recueil des Prières has since been added as well.^4
Why Christians Love It"I'm new to the Book of Common Prayer, and I'm so glad I found this option. It's easy to use, customizable, and gives helpful details on how to use the Book of Common Prayer. It's been a real help to me during a time when my personal prayer life has suffered."^5
"This app has quickly become essential for my daily prayer. It is complete, customisable and very easy to use. On the Sundays work keeps from attending church the ante-communion allows me to participate as much as I can."^6
"I never thought I'd be the prayer app type of person, but I decided to give it a try, and I fell in love with the BCP. This app is literally so amazing, and quite honestly, kind of addictive. You don't have to be Canadian or even Anglican to use this app; pretty much any Christian looking for structured prayers can benefit from it!"^6
On Reddit, one Anglican described it as "possibly the best common Prayer app available."^7
Available on iOS, Android, and as a web-based version at pray.prayerbook.ca. The app collects no personal data and is offered as a gift to the Church.
