This version is definitely better balanced than the 2014 version. 

Quote from Jonn_Jonzz_IV >>

This version is definitely better balanced than the 2014 version. 

It certainly isn't worse.

In the SPECIAL column in the Cleric spell list it does not show "M".

Then when I go into the spell itself it shows "M".

This is true of a number of spells in the special column in spell lists.

Is the special column in the spell list of any use if I have to go into each spell to find out the requirements?

I'm not clear on what a "prayer scroll" is. I don't see it listed in D&D Beyond as an item. It is not listed in any of the resource books I have access to. It's very different than a spell scroll which is well defined and is a way to let whoever is holding it cast whatever spell is written on it (with some limitations probably). This prayer scroll seems like a consumable. Though Shield of Faith does not say that casting it destroys the prayer scroll so it's just a thing you need to possess. So how do you get one? What do they cost? 

I'm a Paladin with calligraphers tools, ten sheets of parchment, proficiency in religion and with calligraphy tools. Can I make a prayer scroll? How many sheets of parchment would this scroll use? Or must it be a long piece of fabric? Is this a common item that a general store would carry? Or do you find them in churches? 
 

Quote from Seaviewer >>

I'm not clear on what a "prayer scroll" is. I don't see it listed in D&D Beyond as an item. It is not listed in any of the resource books I have access to. It's very different than a spell scroll which is well defined and is a way to let whoever is holding it cast whatever spell is written on it (with some limitations probably). This prayer scroll seems like a consumable. Though Shield of Faith does not say that casting it destroys the prayer scroll so it's just a thing you need to possess. So how do you get one? What do they cost? 

I'm a Paladin with calligraphers tools, ten sheets of parchment, proficiency in religion and with calligraphy tools. Can I make a prayer scroll? How many sheets of parchment would this scroll use? Or must it be a long piece of fabric? Is this a common item that a general store would carry? Or do you find them in churches? 
 

Material components for spells (especially ones like this that don't have a cost and aren't consumed) are generally not specific items listed in the rules and are just there for flavor.

Most spellcaster characters use a component pouch or a spellcasting focus instead of having the actual material components in hand. As a Paladin, you can use a component pouch or a holy symbol instead of most material components. If you want to use the actual material components anyway, check with your DM about how you can acquire them in the specific setting you're in.

...There's nothing different about it. Is there?

Quote from pancaka >>

...There's nothing different about it. Is there?

You're right, it's exactly the same as the 2014 version. I was being sarcastic in my earlier comment about it not being worse.