As we enter this Advent season, we may be faced with a new way of doing things, new circumstances, or even new grief. Sometimes the words and structure of others can help bring new life to our prayers and spiritual practices. Sometimes liturgy, the set form of a religious experience, can offer a scaffolding we didn't even know we needed.
We invited Kayla Craig into our conversation about the power of borrowed prayers. When someone else's words speak to our spirits, we can experience the Body of Christ in a powerful way. This time of year, Advent, lends itself especially well to introducing "borrowed prayers" into our rhythms. We remember the saints before us and those who celebrate and remember Christ's first arrival still today.
As you consider what it means to introduce liturgy into your season, we pray that it gives you a rich connection to the Church and to your own practices of remembering the birth of Christ as we wait for his return.
Connect with Kayla
On Instagram here and here. This is her substack and her website.
A few things mentioned
Kayla's new book for families, Every Season Sacred: Reflections, Prayers, and to Nourish Your Soul and Nurture Your Family Throughout the Year
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving based on Luke 1:46-55
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams , Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA
We praise your greatness, O Lord,
and our spirits rejoice in you, our Savior.
You looked with favor on your unlikely servant Mary,
and she delivered a blessing for all generations.
You, the Almighty, have done great things, and your name is ever holy.
From the depth of your compassion,
you gave life to Jesus, your Son,
who came to show mercy on those who need you most,
from generation to generation.
His perfect love showed your strength,
and his humility made the proud stumble.
His death cast down from their thrones the powers of death,
and his resurrection lifted humanity up from the lowliness of the grave.
Come upon us now with your Holy Spirit,
and let your power overshadow this meal, O Most High.
As we share this bread and cup,
fill us with the life of Jesus Christ.
May we bear him into the world once again,
so that we may empty ourselves of unjust wealth
and fill the hungry with good things.
Make us your servant people,
signs of your promise of mercy,
in the name of the coming Christ.
We pray in his name, saying…
(The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
Every Moment Holy A Liturgy for the Christmas Season
Questions to consider
Are borrowed prayers helpful for me? Do they feel comforting? Do they give words to my feelings and experiences?
How might I experience a liturgical church service in a way that brings me closer to the saints around the world?
How does my own faith story impact my worship style?