So You Want to Live Liturgically But Don't Know Where to Start

So, you’re intrigued by the idea of liturgical living, but you’re not sure where to start. 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? You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle. Liturgical living begins with small, intentional steps, allowing your faith to guide you day by day.

1. Begin with What You Already Know

The easiest entry point is to build on traditions you already keep. Perhaps your family marks Advent, observes Lent, or has meaningful ways of celebrating Christmas or Easter. These are all part of liturgical living! From here, simply add one new layer. If you put up a Christmas tree, consider lighting candles in an Advent wreath. If you fast during Lent, try adding the practice of almsgiving.

Starting with the familiar allows you to ease into liturgical practices without pressure. It’s not about perfection; it’s about intention.

2. Embrace the Church Calendar

The Church calendar is your map for liturgical living. This centuries-old rhythm keeps us aligned with the life of Christ and the seasons of His Church. If you’re new, focus first on the “big four”: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Each has its own themes, traditions, and practices to explore.

During Advent, you might light an Advent wreath, pray together as a family, or celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day. In Lent, add a simple rhythm of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

As you become more comfortable, you can branch into feast days, saints’ commemorations, and the quieter but equally rich season of Ordinary Time.

Want an easy way to keep track? My 2025–2026 Liturgical Year Poster is designed to guide you through every season.

3. Create Sacred Spaces at Home

Liturgical living isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about where you do it. Creating a dedicated prayer space can make practices feel more intentional. This doesn’t have to be elaborate. A cross, an icon, a candle, or a well-loved prayer book can be enough to create a corner that draws your heart toward God.

These spaces become visible reminders of your faith and help set the tone for your day. (You can read more about creating a prayer space HERE.)

4. Root Your Day in Prayer

One of the simplest yet most transformative steps is incorporating prayer into the ordinary rhythm of your day. This might be grace before meals, Morning Prayer, or ending the night with Compline. If you have children, include them; even very short prayers can be powerful when practiced consistently.

The Daily Office, the Church’s daily rhythm of prayer, is a beautiful gift. Don’t feel pressured to do it all. Start with just one office, Morning Prayer or Compline, and let it grow naturally.

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5. Celebrate Feasts and Fasts with Joy

Feast days and fasts are at the heart of liturgical living. Celebrating doesn’t have to be elaborate: bake a cake for a saint’s day, make a special dinner, or gather for prayer. The meaning lies in the intention to remember and rejoice.

Fasting, on the other hand, helps us create space for God by setting aside distractions. This could be as simple as a fast on Fridays or giving something up during Lent. These practices turn our hearts back to God in humility and trust.

6. Practice Flexibility and Grace

Liturgical living is not about following rigid rules; it’s about shaping your life around Christ. Some seasons will allow for more elaborate celebrations; others will call for quiet simplicity. Give yourself grace. If you miss a feast or forget a prayer, begin again tomorrow. The beauty of the liturgical year is that it always invites us back in.

7. Invite Your Family Along

Liturgical living is most powerful when shared. Involving your family in daily prayers, feast day traditions, or learning about the saints weaves these rhythms into their hearts as well. Start small: pray Evening Prayer before bed, share a simple saint’s day meal, or serve together during Lent. These practices become cherished memories and living lessons of faith.

Bringing It All Together

Beginning liturgical living is like planting a seed. With time, intention, and care, it grows and blossoms, becoming a natural part of your daily life. Start small. Be flexible. Let the Church calendar guide you. And as the seasons turn, you’ll find your home and your heart more deeply rooted in Christ and His Church.