The Great Litany is a special responsive reading of prayers of supplication to God and Christ. In this beautiful service, we ask for God's help in resisting temptation, God's mercy in the face of calamity and danger, and God's blessing on our daily lives as well as upon our death to the earthly body.
This was the first English language rite prepared by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer after the English Church broke from Rome. It was published in 1544.
The Great Litany has amazing flexibility of use: it many be said or sung; used standing, kneeling or Processing; it can be used by itself or as part of Morning or Evening Prayer or in preparation for the Holy Eucharist. It is often recited in times of war or natural disaster, as the Litany includes prayers for protection against evil, spiritual harm and natural disasters. Because of its penitential tone, it is especially appropriate to be used during Lent. It is also appropriate on Rogation Days.
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