The idea of a “liturgy of the moment” comes from the book Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey. The idea is to have a short memorized prayer that you can use meaningfully when a specific circumstance arises. For example, a prayer for when you hear birds singing, when you’re waiting in line at the supermarket, when you’re frustrated with your child, etc. Two example liturgies are provided below and there are many more of these type of prayers in the different volumes of the Every Moment Holy books. In this activity, the goal is to write a short liturgy of your own that expresses your own heart and that you can use in the daily rhythms of your life. The main thing that distinguishes this liturgy from the other types (personal or book) is that it is both short enough to be easily memorized and specifically connected to a type of event or circumstance where you want to use this prayer. Often the circumstance itself is the reminder to set our eyes back on God and come to him with a short prayer.
Liturgy Brainstorm
Start by committing the time to God, asking him to help and guide you.
There are several different possible starting points for writing this type of liturgy. Pause for a second to think about what it is that is on your mind and heart. Then, look through the following subsections and start with the one that is most immediately relevant or helpful. After that, work through another couple subsections until you feel you have enough clarity to write a rough draft of your prayer.
Scripture
- What passage of Scripture speaks to the situation, desire, or image that is on your mind?
- Read any passages that seem relevant. If there is one that seems especially helpful, take some time to meditate on that passage.
- What aspects of this scripture passage do you want to integrate into your prayer? It could be specific words, phrases, emotions, images, truths, etc.
Life Circumstance
- When do I need or want to use this prayer?
- What is it about this circumstance that makes me want to use it as a moment to turn my eyes to Jesus?
Core Prayer
- Is this liturgy a request for help, an expression of thanks or praise, a prayer on behalf of someone else, a crying out to the Lord in difficulty, a longing for growth, or something else? Take a moment to write out a few thoughts along these lines.
- How would you summarize the core desire or request of your liturgy?
Emotions
- Is there a specific feeling or emotion on your heart? What words best express this feeling?
- How does this feeling relate to your prayer? Is it something you are seeking to express to God? Are you asking for God’s help in the midst of difficult emotions?
Quotes (optional)
- Is there a specific phrase, quote, or portion of a song that you want to integrate into your liturgy? Write it down. Remember, try to keep the liturgy short so it can be memorized. If the quote is too long, consider shortening or paraphrasing it.
Metaphor (optional)
- As you think about this prayer, are there any specific metaphors or imagery that come to mind?
- What is helpful or significant to you about this imagery? What aspects of it would you like to include in your prayer?
Draft Your Liturgy
Once you’ve brainstormed enough, try putting some of the above pieces together into a short liturgy. If you’ve done a lot of brainstorming, you may find that you have too much for a single liturgy. In this case, just choose those things that are most helpful. Don’t be overly concerned with the artistry of your prayer. Prioritize first that your prayer would be helpful to you personally in setting your eyes on Jesus and depending on him in the life circumstances you’ve identified. With the liturgy, write a short note or sentence to remind you of the specific times you want to use this prayer.
As you read your liturgy, does it express the emotions of your heart as well as ground you in the reality of belonging to a good and strong Father? Is it short enough to memorize and practically use in the day-to-day?
Use Your Liturgy
Once you have a draft of your liturgy, use it! This is the most important step of this activity. As you do, feel free to revise it as helpful. Also feel free to change or tweak the type of situation where you want to use this prayer. You may find it helpful to carry a small written copy of the prayer with you until you have it fully memorized.
Example Liturgies of the Moment
UPON HEARING BIRDSONG
You draw praise
from the frailest of things.
So also draw praise
from me.
WHEN ONE IS FACED WITH THEIR OWN NEED
Prove yourself sufficient
to my need in each moment, O Lord.
I am stripped of my illusions of self-sufficiency.
I need you now
as a frightened child needs their parent.
Meet me in my weakness.
Remind me that you yet govern from your throne.
Remind me that you are present.
Remind me that my life is cradled in your hands.
Remind me that all is well with my soul,
and so all is well eternally.
Example liturgies are from Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey. These liturgies are copyright © Douglas McKelvey and are used here by permission. Please do not reproduce.