So, you’re intrigued by the idea of liturgical living, but you’re not sure where to begin. You’ve heard the term, you’ve seen glimpses of it in action, and now you’re wondering how to bring these sacred rhythms into your own home. The good news? It doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Liturgical living is all about starting small and letting your faith guide you, step by step.
1. Start with What You Know
The easiest way to begin liturgical living is to build on what you’re already familiar with. Maybe you already observe Advent or Lent, or perhaps you have a special way of celebrating Christmas or Easter. These are all liturgical practices! Take what you’re already doing and build on it. If you put up a Christmas tree, consider lighting candles in an Advent wreath. If you fast during Lent, considering adding the discipline of collecting alms for the poor.
Starting with familiar traditions allows you to ease into liturgical living without feeling overwhelmed. It’s not about perfection; it’s about intention.
2. Embrace the Church Calendar
The Church calendar is your roadmap for liturgical living. It’s a beautiful, centuries-old guide that helps us align our lives with the life of Christ and the seasons of the Church. If you’re new to the Church calendar, start by focusing on the major seasons—Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Each of these seasons has its own unique themes, practices, and celebrations.
For example, during Advent, you might light an Advent wreath, pray daily with your family, or celebrate St. Nicholas' Day. During Lent, consider adding more intentional acts of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
As you grow more comfortable with these major seasons, you can begin to explore the feast days of saints, the other seasons, and other liturgical moments that fill the year with opportunities for reflection and celebration.
3. Create Sacred Spaces in Your Home
Liturgical living isn’t just about what you do; it’s also about where you do it. Creating a sacred space in your home can help make your liturgical practices feel more intentional and meaningful. This doesn’t have to be elaborate—a small prayer corner with a crucifix, an icon, some candles, or a favorite prayer book is a great start.
Having a dedicated space for prayer and reflection helps set the tone for your day and creates a visual reminder of your faith’s central place in your life. Read more about creating a prayer space in your home here.
4. Incorporate Prayer into Daily Routines
One of the simplest ways to start living liturgically is by incorporating prayer into your daily routines. This can be as simple as saying grace before meals, praying Morning Prayer, or ending the day with Compline. If you have children, involve them in these moments. Short, consistent prayers help anchor your day in faith and remind you of God’s presence in the ordinary.
The Daily Office, which is the Church’s daily prayer rhythm is such a powerful addition to your life. While it may sound daunting, you can start with just one prayer time a day, such as Morning Prayer or Compline (Prayer Before Bed), and see how it fits into your routine.
5. Celebrate the Feasts and Fasts with Joy
Feast days and fasting are key aspects of liturgical living. Celebrating feast days doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as making a special meal, baking a cake in honor of a saint, or gathering for a family prayer. What matters is the intention behind the celebration, making space to honor and remember.
Fasting, on the other hand, invites us to create space for God in a different way. It’s a practice that teaches us to detach from the things that distract us and focus on our relationship with God. Whether it’s giving up something small during Lent or fasting on a traditional day like Friday, these acts can help you live more intentionally.
6. Be Flexible and Grace-Filled
Remember, liturgical living is not about following a strict set of rules—it’s about growing in your relationship with God and letting your faith shape your everyday life. Some seasons will allow for more elaborate celebrations, while others may call for simplicity. Give yourself grace, and allow your practices to ebb and flow with the rhythms of your life.
If you miss a feast day or forget a prayer, don’t worry. The beauty of liturgical living is that there’s always another opportunity to enter into the rhythm of the Church. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present and open to the ways God is moving in your life.
7. Invite Your Family Along
Liturgical living is a beautiful way to involve your family in the life of the Church. Whether it’s through simple daily prayers, special celebrations, or learning about the saints together, inviting your family into these practices can help deepen their faith and create lasting memories.
Start by including your family in the practices you’re already doing, and then look for ways to expand together. Maybe it’s praying Evening Prayer before bed, a special meal for a saint’s feast day, or a service project during Lent. The key is to make it meaningful and joyful for everyone.
Bringing It All Together
Starting with liturgical living is like planting a small seed of faith in your daily life. With a little intention and care, it will grow and blossom over time. Remember to start small, be flexible, and let the Church calendar guide you. Before you know it, liturgical living will become a natural, beautiful part of your everyday life, drawing you and your family closer to God and to the rich traditions of the Church.
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