About Our Breviary
The Missio Dei Breviary began as a book of prayer for Missio Dei, a community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The original version has specific references and prayers for the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. This version has been adapted for general use.
Why did we take on this project? First, we wanted something simple and relatively accessible. Many of the prayer books out there have a steep learning curve or require multiple volumes. (This is why monastics, especially mendicants, started publishing breviaries—single volume books of prayer that could be carried easily). Second, we wanted something that reflected our contextual commitment and a missional sensibility. Third, we wanted a prayer book that fit with our Anabaptist theology.
Our book of prayer covers morning and evening for 28 days. Week one focuses on chapter 5 of Matthew. Week two focuses on Luke’s parables. Week three emphasizes the seven signs and seven “I am” statements found in John. Week four follows Mark’s account of Jesus from his entry into
The morning prayers include a set of opening prayers (borrowing from the Eastern Orthodox tradition), a Gospel reading, the Lord’s Prayer, and a closing prayer. The evening prayers are similar, but have a call to praise (drawing from the Great Commandment) and have one of seven canticles (instead of the Lord’s Prayer). The evening prayer also includes a psalm. At the end of the primary reading for each entry, there is a reflection–a prompting into spontaneous prayer.
Some of the canticles used within the Missio Dei Breviary are traditional: the Magnificat, Zechariah’s Prophecy, Simeon’s Song, and the Gloria. Two canticles have been included from Scripture: the kenosis hymn from Philippians 2 (which we call “Paul’s Song”) and a song from Revelation 5 (which we call “the Song Around the Throne”). Besides these six canticles, we include a prayer called “the Jesus Manifesto” which draws upon Luke 4:18-19.
We recommend that you pray the morning prayers when you first arise. Evening prayer can occur right before bed, but are best prayed before or after dinner, when you are likely to be with friends or family. The Missio Dei Breviary was written as a community prayer book.
When praying through each morning and evening, we suggest that you pause for a while between sections…at least 15 seconds. During the reflection (which is italicized) after the reading, allow several minutes for prayer or silent reflection, depending upon the reflection. Please take your time with each time of prayer.
the little priest on 10 Mar 2008 at 1:05 am #
i’m a catholic priest and i “bumped” into your website and got to know something about your book and your work.
it’s quite heartening to hear people of other traditions (re)learning “old” ways of praying yet responsing to “new” crises and struggles.
keep up the good work! God bless y’all!
b.t.w. i feel that your prayer book would be good, not just for anabaptists, but also for catholics!
peace!