Prayer, Providence and Empire: Special Worship in the British World, 1783-1919

European settlers in Canada, Australia, and South Africa used collective prayer and worship to cope with wars, rebellions, epidemics, and natural disasters, turning to old traditions to make sense of these calamities. Colonial governments set aside days for prayer and thanksgiving, and these practices became more common in the democratic, pluralistic, and secularized conditions of the 'British world'.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 296 pages
\n Publication date: 03 August 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
\n

European settlers in Canada, Australia, and South Africa claimed to be creating "better Britains overseas," but their new communities were frequently threatened by devastating wars, rebellions, epidemics, and natural disasters. It is remarkable that settlers resorted to old communal prayer and worship practices to make sense of these calamities. Colonial governments designated entire days for prayer during times of trauma so that entire populations could unite in supplication to God for intervention, assistance, or guidance. Everyone in the empire could participate in synchronized acts of thanksgiving during times of celebration, such as the arrival of peace.

Prayer, providence, and empire examines why events with origins in the sixteenth century became numerous in the democratic, pluralistic, and secularized conditions of the "British world."

The first British settlers arrived in North America in the 16th century, bringing with them their religious traditions and practices. These settlers were primarily from England, Scotland, and Wales, and they brought their Anglican faith with them. The Anglican church was the established church in England at the time, and it was also the church of the British Empire.

The Anglican church had a strong emphasis on the importance of prayer and worship, and it encouraged its members to participate in these practices regularly. The church also believed in the power of providence, which it saw as the guiding hand of God in human affairs.

The Anglican church's emphasis on prayer and worship was particularly important in the context of the colonial era. The settlers were living in a new and unfamiliar land, and they were often faced with challenges and difficulties that they had never encountered before. The church provided a sense of stability and comfort for the settlers, and it helped them to cope with the stresses of their new lives.

The Anglican church also played a role in the development of the British Empire. The church's emphasis on the importance of prayer and worship helped to create a sense of unity and common purpose among the settlers and the colonists. The church also provided a sense of identity for the settlers, who were often living in a foreign land and were trying to establish a new life for themselves.

The Anglican church's emphasis on prayer and worship continued to be important in the post-colonial era. The church continued to provide a sense of stability and comfort for the settlers and the colonists, and it continued to play a role in the development of the British Empire. The church also continued to provide a sense of identity for the settlers, who were now living in independent countries but were still connected to their British heritage.

In conclusion, the Anglican church's emphasis on prayer and worship was an important part of the colonial era and the development of the British Empire. The church provided a sense of stability and comfort for the settlers and the colonists, and it helped to create a sense of unity and common purpose among the settlers and the colonists. The church also provided a sense of identity for the settlers, who were now living in independent countries but were still connected to their British heritage.

\n Weight: 584g\n
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526135391\n \n