I have chosen the Rev. Daniel T. Benedict Jr.’s brilliantly written resource titled Patterned by Grace for this month’s Recommended Reading selection. This book, in my opinion, should be the basis for a short-term, yet ongoing, study class for not only seekers, catechumenates and new members to the UMC but also for any who seek a better understanding of liturgy in general. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to seriously understand and utilize the liturgy as a vehicle to draw closer to God. Personally, I found this book helpful with not only understanding liturgical terminology but it also helped answer many questions I had in regards as to why we do certain actions within worship. Once I knew the answer to these questions my sincerity, appreciation and desire to worship the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit greatly intensified. I sincerely hope that any who purchase this title will enjoy reading it as much as I did and will continue to re-read it as I venture through my journey of faith.

The word “liturgy” is packed with power. For some, it evokes the grandeur and mystery of the church’s rich tradition. For others it evokes a rigid and confusing form of obsolete practice. Dan Benedict provides us with a deeper and more satisfying way to understand liturgy and to discuss issues related to worship. In his definition, readers come to see liturgy as God’s means of uniting with the heart, mind and work of Christ.

Liturgy, Benedict says, carries us into the presence of the holy in the same way that those friends in the gospel story carried their paralyzed friend into the presence of Christ. When our spiritual life is dry, and we have difficulty experiencing that presence, liturgy holds that meaning for us until we are ready to return. Liturgy connects us with the communion of the saints and allows us to worship with other believers across time and place. Over time, given faithful participation, the liturgy works to shape our perceptions and create more space for God’s grace to find expression.

This volume, with original prayers and reflection questions, is an excellent text for a new members’ or confirmation class studying worship, or for a congregation’s worship committee to read as a preparation for its work. Topics include corporate liturgical practices like baptism, communion, and the Christian year, as well as personal practices of daily prayer and scriptural reading.