Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life

by Tish Harrison Warren

Jesus is eternally beloved by the Father. His every activity unfurls from his identity as the Beloved.

As Christians, we wake each morning as those who are baptized. We are united with Christ and the approval of the Father is spoken over us.

We wake not to a vague or general mercy from a far-off God.

today is the proving ground of what I believe and of whom I worship.

In the creation story, God entered chaos and made order and beauty. In making my bed I reflected that creative act in the tiniest, most ordinary way. In my small chaos, I made small order.

We are shaped every day, whether we know it or not, by practices—rituals and liturgies that make us who we are.

the question is not whether we have a liturgy. The question is, “What kind of people is our liturgy forming us to be?”

As we learn the words, practices, and rhythms of faith hewn by our brothers and sisters throughout history, we learn to live our days in worship.

whether we examine our daily activities theologically or not, they shape our view of God and ourselves.

I need rituals that encourage me to embrace what is repetitive, ancient, and quiet. But what I crave is novelty and stimulation.

Our hearts and our loves are shaped by what we do again and again and again. On Sunday in gathered worship, we learn together to sit in repetition and in predictability.

We must be shaped into people who value that which gives life,