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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You are invited to join us on the Gospel Spice Prayer Bible Study, titled "The heart behind prayer" starting September 20, 2025! Details and registration here: https://www.gospelspice.com/prayer 

There are a few things in our Christian life that we know we should do more, or at least better – and prayer just might top the list. Prayer is a mystery. Why would a conversation with a human have any influence on God’s eternal, sovereign plan? It defies logic, and beckons love. How can God, the Almighty Lord of Hosts, be this close, this personal? It defies understanding, and beckons involvement.

But, lack of time, inspiration, and discipline, combined with the ruthless tyranny of our busy lives, push prayer to the periphery, to the “one day I’ll get to it” pile. And yet, we can excel at what we endeavor to undertake. So, why isn’t prayer more of a spiritual priority? Could we develop a mindset around prayer that made it attractive, inspiring, even maybe delightful? What if we attuned our spiritual ears to listen to God, and our spiritual eyes to see His provision?

As an unassuming student, I’m going to humbly offer to share the little I have learned from others about the joy of prayer. I will give us theology, practical tips, and useful resources, sharing what works for me as we, together, learn to pray.

If you find prayer intimidating, or if your lack of prayer makes you feel guilty or “less than,” then this is the place for you! If you have been a student of prayer for many years, this is the place for you too! If you have breath in your lungs, then prayer can become one of the deepest joys of your day. Don’t miss out!

A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT PRAYER

To pray is to believe that God not only hears, but that He responds. It is to stand in the gap for a broken world, wielding the authority of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and trusting in the goodness of the Father. The question is not whether prayer works, but whether we are willing to pray the kinds of prayers that invite God’s Kingdom into the darkest places of the earth—and of our own hearts.

We may never fully understand the mechanics of prayer, or how it intersects with God's sovereignty, but we are not called to understand everything. We are called to be faithful. And faithfulness means showing up—in prayer, in persistence, in expectation.

So today, let us pray not only for the comfort of our hearts, but for the transformation of the world. Let us take our place as image-bearers, co-laborers, and co-heirs. Let us believe that God is still listening—and still acting. Because He is.

There’s only one way to find out what might happen when we truly pray like this.

Let’s begin.

THE MINDSET BEHIND THIS COURSE

Before we begin, let me tell you the obvious: I don’t really know how to pray. I’m a humble student and absolute beginner at the holy endeavor that is prayer. So, this course isn’t really about what I’ve learned, or any wisdom I might have gathered. But, I’ve sat at the feet of many prayer warriors over the decades, through books and teachings.

So, I’ll share what I learned from them. Humility is going to be our primary heart posture! With each lesson, I will offer a few thoughts, practices, and ideas – with much humility, and not taking myself too seriously. I will also share her favorite books and resources about prayer. FInally, I will introduce you to some of the most influential prayer warriors of our history as the Body of Christ.

Most importantly, I will invite YOU to pray! Learning to pray comes from praying. Our humble ambition is to inspire you to pray, and to give you a few tips on how to do that. Then, it’s up to you! Prayer is a lifelong endeavor. Let’s make it delightful together!

So, let’s get started.

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