Book of the Month: Liturgy of the Ordinary

Church,

Let’s talk about some liturgy!  I think it’s common to understand liturgy primarily through the rhythms of church and spiritual practices—the prayers, creeds, and sacraments that shape our communal life. But in this award-winning book, Tish Harrison Warren (a priest in our diocese!) helps us see that liturgy is not confined to Sunday mornings or the Eucharist (Communion). Rather, it is woven into the mundane routines of daily life. The way we wake, work, eat, and rest are not just habits but spiritual practices shaping us over time. As a pastor, I often encourage myself and all of you to embrace the beauty of liturgical worship, but this book challenges us to also recognize the liturgy of our ordinary moments—the quiet, unseen ones that form us just as profoundly.

What struck me most was Warren’s ability to bring humor and honesty to this sacred reality. She doesn’t idealize the ordinary but instead acknowledges its frustrations—losing her keys, arguing with her spouse, slogging through another unremarkable day. And yet, she shows how these very moments are invitations into God’s presence. This deeply resonated with me. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing ministry as the “real” work of God while the daily grind feels secondary. But Warren reminds us that holiness is not reserved for Sunday mornings; it is found in brushing our teeth, brewing coffee, and extending grace in the smallest of interactions. As a church, we are rooted in the Anglican tradition, which is profoundly sacramental, recognizing God’s presence in water, bread, and wine. Liturgy of the Ordinary expands this vision, reminding us that the sacred is also found in the simplest routines of our days.

This book does more than inform—it reorients. It shifts our gaze to see God’s grace at work in what we often overlook. My prayer is that it helps us all recognize the quiet, unnoticed ways that God is forming us through the sacred ordinary!

Things I Loved from the Book:

The Connection Between Worship and Daily Life
One of the most transformative ideas in the book is the way Warren connects our daily routines to the rhythms of worship. Making the bed, washing dishes, checking emails—these are not interruptions to our spiritual lives, but opportunities to practice gratitude, humility, and presence. This perspective shift was huge for me. It helped me realize that I don’t need to escape my life to experience God; He is present in the middle of it all.

Embracing Imperfection
Another thing I deeply appreciated was Warren’s honesty about struggle, failure, and grace. She doesn’t paint an idealized picture of faith but instead acknowledges the frustrations, the boredom, the messiness of real life. And yet, she invites us to see how even our failures and frustrations can draw us closer to Christ. I needed this reminder. So often, I strive to have it all together, but Warren points me back to the gospel—the truth that I am loved and held by God, even in my imperfections.

The Call to Be Present
One of the most convicting parts of the book was its challenge to be fully present in the moment. In a world that constantly pulls us toward distraction—social media, endless to-do lists, the pressure to always be achieving—Warren reminds us of the gift of presence. Whether it's savoring a meal, engaging in conversation, or simply taking a deep breath, being present is a way to acknowledge God’s presence with us.

A Sense of Peace and Purpose
What I loved most about Liturgy of the Ordinary was the way it left me with a sense of peace. I didn’t finish the book feeling pressured to overhaul my life or strive for something bigger. Instead, I felt invited to embrace the life I already have—to see my daily routines not as obstacles to spiritual growth, but as the very spaces where God is shaping me. The ordinary moments of our life are not wasted; they are where transformation happens!

Summary
In summary, Liturgy of the Ordinary is a beautifully written, deeply insightful book that I believe everyone should read. Whether you’re in a season of transition, longing for purpose, or simply feeling stuck in the mundane, this book offers a refreshing perspective. It reminds us that God is present in our daily life—not just in the big, dramatic moments, but in the small, quiet, ordinary ones too. And that, in itself, is extraordinary.

Enjoy!
-Pastor Drew