The Professor of New Testament in the University of Glasgow is now almost as well known for his books of prayers as for his biblical studies. In this book he has provided fresh material both for public worship and private devotion. For each Sunday, Holy Day and Saint's Day he gives the old Collect and his own prayers arising out of the same theme. As he says, 'the Book of Common Prayer is the possession of all who worship God in the English language' - but we also need to use contemporary language. In this way the Anglican and 'free' traditions can be combined. 'The aim,' Dr Barclay writes, 'has been to get the best of both worlds.' Both the parson and the plain man can once again profit from Dr Barclay's insight and skill.
