The Riches of Your Grace: Living in the Book of Common Prayer

With vulnerability, humor, and emotional astuteness, author Julie Lane-Gay shares her spiritual journey as a Christ-follower and the role The Book of Common Prayer played in her life of faith. For readers unfamiliar with the different versions and the role of The Book of Common Prayer, Lane-Gay sets out “a friendly welcome mat” to enter in and explore the history, structure, components, and spiritual benefits of The Book of Common Prayer. Her goal is to encourage readers “to venture into the prayer book’s pages, into its rhythms and prayers, into God’s abundant wisdom, love, and grace, into His amazing and trustworthy Story.”

Years ago, when Lane-Gay attended a retreat and was asked about what had shaped her as a Christian, she was surprised to discover her answer—The Book of Common Prayer. Even as she spoke the title, she was aware that her response was a surprise to the other attendees. After all, how could a 450-year-old British book still be relevant?

Lane-Gay explains, “I knew my answer was true—and the more I have reflected on it ... the more I know I was given a gift. The language is old, and the prayers are set, but the prayer book has been constant in showing me God’s tender understanding of my heart and in conveying His loving character and steady presence—for being what the prayer book calls a ‘means of grace and hope of glory.’”

Lane-Gay peppers her book with anecdotes about her family, friends, work life, and church family as she takes a closer look at the different sections of The Book of Common Prayer: morning and evening prayers, the Collects, prayers for families and individuals, the liturgical year, Psalms, baptism, Holy Communion, prayers for the sick and dying, and more.

Whether or not readers are familiar with The Book of Common Prayer or plan to make use of its resources, Lane-Gay’s book has something to offer people who want to grow in faith and in their understanding of their place in God’s salvation story.

(IVP Formatio)