The Riches of Your Grace | with Julie Lane-Gay

Gospel Spice | Christian faith, God's love & the Bible

What if an ancient prayer book proved the most relevant and up-to-date tool to embrace intimacy with God in completely fresh ways? As we race to work in the morning, have coffee with a friend, or fall into bed exhausted, we want to feel God's presence, to sink into his grace. Yet too often he feels aloof, absent. Our prayers feel trivial. But as Julie Lane-Gay discovered, the Book of Common Prayer is designed for just this purpose: to root Christians in the riches of God's grace. So, she and Stephanie have an intimate, vulnerable, authentic conversation today, aiming to invite YOU to enter into the world of this ancient book to draw closer to God.

Julie Lane-Gay has written “The Riches of Your Grace” to share the treasures she has found in the Book of Common Prayer. It's not a history of the prayer book nor a guide (though it will certainly help readers get their bearings). Instead, using stories from her own life, Julie Lane-Gay shows what it means to live in the prayer book: to allow its prayers and patterns to shape an ordinary Christian life.

Discover how the Book of Common Prayer can anchor us―our prayers, our daily lives, our hearts―in Christ. The Book of Common Prayer is mostly taken straight from Scripture – Julie explains that 86% of it is pure Scripture. It means, it is theologically sound, trustworthy, safe, and protective!

The Book of Common Prayer can be a lifeline in life's storms. Julie shares how the Book of Common Prayer provided her with solace and comfort during a challenging time when her son was born prematurely. The specific prayers for women who have just given birth became a source of strength, nurturing her faith and shaping her as a Christian. It serves as a safe theological foundation, offering a healthy perspective on God's presence and grace amidst life's challenges.

The Book of Common Prayer fosters community and the power of intimate spiritual connection. From weekly Compline services helping a friend heal from spiritual dryness to a neighbor hosting a Compline for the neighborhood, Julie witnessed the profound impact of communal prayer. These simple, predictable, and comforting prayers have served as a space for honesty, debriefing, and spiritual rejuvenation, drawing in new attendees and providing a space for the Holy Spirit to work.

Could the Book of Common Prayer become a tool to share the gospel in our generation? Julie and I discuss this tantalizing prospect. The prayer book isn't just a personal tool for spiritual growth but also a powerful means for evangelization. Julie's book, "The Riches of Your Grace," provides practical ideas for using the prayer book at home, demonstrating its potential to nurture faith, bring comfort, and draw in those who have never experienced the Church.

About the Author

Julie Lane-Gay is a freelance writer and editor. Her work has appeared in a range of publications including Reader's Digest, Fine Gardening, Faith Today, Anglican Planet, and The Englewood Review of Books. She teaches occasional courses at Regent College and also edits the college's journal, CRUX. She lives with her husband, Craig, in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is active in her local Anglican church.

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