D. J. Marotta - Liturgy in the Wilderness: How the Lords Prayer Shapes the Imagination of the Church in a Secular Age

Dans voice is a rare gem in Christian writing. He is theologically insightful and everyday applicable, catalyzing the imagination yet so clear and accessible. But his subjectthe Lords Prayer for our contemporary momentis like a treasure hidden right in plain sight! Of course, this rich liturgy speaks to the individualism, independence, and scarcity mindsets of our hearts and culture. But it takes a gentle, pastoral mentor to remind us to live our deepest truths.

BRIAN GRAY

VP of Formation, Denver Institute of Faith and Work

Having known and respected Dan for most of my life, I wasnt surprised to find beauty and wisdom in these pages. With vivid illustration and potent application, he patiently exposes us to the searching glare of historys most famous prayer, enabling us to see how we might be living, despite our professed beliefs, upside-down in a world made for God. Liturgy in the Wilderness brims with the kind of humor and insight that comes from a pastor whos spent considerable time with people. And in a frenetic age, this book offers a rare gift: the chance to slow down enough to envision what a gospel-orbiting life could look like, for the good of our neighbors and the glory of our Father, who art in heaven.

MATT SMETHURST

Lead pastor, River City Baptist Church, Richmond, VA; editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, Before You Open Your Bible and Before You Share Your Faith

As the director of a mission sending agency, every part of our work is prayer dependent. From raising up and training new missionaries to helping them stay vibrant and effective in the field, there is no part of our work that doesnt breathe in and breathe out prayer. In Liturgy in the Wilderness, Dan is helping all of us find that same rhythma constant return to peace and clarity that comes through the Lords Prayer as we navigate the changing course of our lives and our culture. I, for one, am deeply thankful for Dans insight and practical help.

BOB OSBORNE

Executive Director, Serge

Liturgy in the Wilderness offers us a fresh and engaging perspective on the Lords Prayer. Though this widely known prayer can be uttered in less than thirty seconds, this book shows us how it canand shouldimpact every single area of our lives. Marotta takes us by the hand and guides us to see that while we may never get out of the wilderness, we can always move forward in hope. This book is thoughtful, filled with wise insights and engaging stories. And best of all, Marotta doesnt merely write about this important message in his book; he lives the message, too.

J. R. BRIGGS

Author of The Sacred Overlap and Founding Director of Kairos Partnerships

This book is like rocket fuel for ancient wisdom. It is winsome and funny. It is deep and real. Do you lack imagination? Does your faith feel fragile? You need to read this because then you can join this amazing countercultural mission: Congratulations. Thou hast been subverted.

J. B. SIMMONS

Novelist and author of The Awakening of Washingtons Church

In a volatile world filled with noise, it can be tempting to search for some shiny new thing to relieve the anxiety. In this book, D. J. Marotta takes a fresh look at the Lords Prayer and reminds us of what it is: an enduring gift for the ups and downs of our journey through the wilderness. A timely read for an age marked by anxiety.

BLAINE LAY

Executive Director, RCLI (Richmond Christian Leaders Initiative)

What a gift Dan Marotta has given those of us for whom wilderness feels like the rule rather than the exception of life! With the courage of a convert and the tenderness of a seasoned pastor, Dan draws a map for pilgrims of all kinds, shedding fresh light not only on the Lords Prayer but on the subversive nature of liturgy itself. By the end of the book, I have a hunch the wilderness will feel a little less wild, and Gods grace a little closer at hand.

DAVID ZAHL

Author of Seculosity and founder of Mockingbird Ministry

How do we navigate the wilderness of modern life? How do we reimagine our place in the world? How do we allow the gospel to subvert and subdue our disordered affections? By joining Jesus in prayer. In this warm and engaging book, Dan Marotta invites us into the Lords Prayer, leading us as a trustworthy companion on a hope-filled journey where the kingdom comes in the midst of the wilds.

JOHN W. YATES III

Editor of the Reformation Anglicanism Essential Library

Desert comes from the Hebrew meaning disaster or word. Dan gets this! The deserts we find ourselves in are, in fact, disaster. But if we truly consent, they are the exact place where we hear Gods Word over our lives best. Read this book and flourish in the wilderness.

AJ SHERRILL

Author of Being with God and The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation

Unless our imaginations are unleashed as we ponder the words of Jesus, and we learn to love the ancient words of saints ripened over centuries of use, we will likely miss the deeper wisdom and greater vision God has for us in navigating the pathway of Christ. This book is remarkably fresh and stimulating.

JOHN & SUSAN YATES

Authors of Raising Kids with Character That Lasts

I loved reading this book! Dans writing has given me new understanding and appreciation for the Lords Prayer. Ive been praying these words for years, and this prayer has come alive in a new way. I am so grateful to have Dan as a friend. He has a joyful enthusiasm about his work and cares deeply about everyone around him.

PAUL ZACH

Musician with The Porters Gate Worship Project

Before reading Dan Marottas book on the Lords Prayer, I didnt expect yet another treatment of it could be so theologically deepinsights into the kingdom of God and the problem of eviland so immediately practical. For serious Bible students and those just beginning to learn to pray, this book is of great value.

SKIP RYAN

Former Chancellor and Professor of Practical Theology at Redeemer Seminary (Dallas)

2022 by D. J. MAROTTA

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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated into any other language.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the (NASB) New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org

All emphasis in Scripture has been added.

Published in association with Don Gates of The Gates Group. www.the-gates-group.com.

Edited by Amanda Cleary Eastep

Interior and cover design: Erik M. Peterson

Cover vector art copyright 2021 by Vadym Ilchenko / iStock Photos (1302770490). All rights reserved.