Genuflection Reflection

A necessity, not a luxury.

In the good old days, i.e., when Episcopalians worshipped from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer (BCP), they spent almost as much time kneeling as they did sitting. When there was Holy Communion, kneeling went on seemingly interminably during prayers for the "whole state of Christ's Church", the preparation for the Communion, and forgiveness for one's wretched self.

In the past 30 years kneeling on ceremony has become much less important. Now that it's acceptable to kneel or stand when praying, comfortable kneeling pads are less critical to the worship experience. [More than a few worshippers must sit throughout the service for physical reasons (30% of Episcopalians are 65+ years old)].

Nevertheless, it's important to genuflect to tradition. Most of the kneelers had completely worn down to hard wood, and cushy pads were installed throughout the church. Next time, when no one who remembers the 1928 BCP is around, it won't be necessary. © 2012 Stephen Yuen