This book presents a historical and theological argument for the common direction of liturgical prayer, known as “facing east”, and is meant as a contribution to the contemporary debate about the Catholic liturgy. Lang, a member of the London Oratory, studies the direction of liturgical prayer from a historical, theological, and pastoral point of view. "I hope that this book will help the struggle for the right understanding and worthy celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. I wish the book a wide and attentive readership." —Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger