Liturgies for Parents with Kayla Craig

A Prayer for a New Year

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:10:00 +0000

Another year has gone, and we greet a new one with reflective hearts. Parenting, like faith, is a constant remembering. We hope you take some time with us this week for a simple breath prayer to remember God’s constant presence with us and another prayer asking for help in remembering the faithfulness of the God of the past and present. May you remember you are never alone.

Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

You can check out Liturgies for Parents on Instagram for more prayers and encouragement and pick up your own copy of Kayla’s first book, To Light Their Way, wherever books are sold. For glimpses of Kayla’s experiences with parenting and faith, find her on Instagram at @kayla_craig.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual resources to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit www.christianparenting.org.

A Prayer for Christmas

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas, friends. Today, we celebrate Jesus embracing humanity—knit together in his mother’s womb, coming into this world as a newborn, and being swaddled and held close to his mother. Pause with us today and this week to reflect on this extraordinary mystery, one that transcends any greeting card scene, holiday movie, or glittering Christmas tree. We hope that this offering helps you take a breath and reconnect with the gift of Christ, God with us, who knows what it’s like to be human like us.

Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, is out now! This book is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Grief During the Holidays

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The holidays aren’t always the most wonderful time of year. For many, this season is wrapped up in grief and sorrow. This week features a prayer by guest liturgist Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, a foodie, runner, speaker, podcaster, and the award-winning author of numerous books for kids of all ages. She is a remarried widow who is raising three daughters alongside her husband, Shawn. Join us this week as we ask the Creator God to hold us close during this season, asking for courage to hold the bitter and sweet as well as the pain and joy.

You can find Dorina’s new devotional journal, Breathing Through Grief, here. You can also follow along with her through her website and Instagram at @dorinagilmore.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Unpacking Advent

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Advent presents us with a sacred invitation: to embark inside an ancient story of what was and somehow is, too. Whether you are moving through this season by lighting Advent wreaths or engaging in other traditions, may you become more aware of the Light of the world. Pray with us as we ask Jesus to help us orient our hearts, letting this time spark anticipation and hope within ourselves and our children.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Help in the Holidays

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The season of Advent has arrived. We invite you to slow down and soak in the anticipation of this time of year with two breath prayers. As you navigate the holidays and all of the bustle of shuttling kids to and from gatherings, filling up stockings, navigating travel logistics, and so on, we hope you lean into the tenderness of Christ.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Unmet Expectations

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This time of year is often loaded with expectations. Many of us feel we need to come up with unique holiday cards, find the perfect Christmas gifts, make sure our homes look social-media worthy. These expectations can rob us of the joy and magic of the season. Join us in a prayer asking God to help us lay down these expectations, seeing the good things already around us.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Gratitude

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

As we reflect on thankfulness this week, let us forgo the surface-level gratitude that seems pervasive in our consumer culture. Join us as we come to the God of goodness, giving thanks for all that is seen and unseen in our everyday lives. May our rhythms of gratitude be an outpouring of the love we have for God and one another, freeing us from the bondage of self and helping us embrace the beauty of community.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Parenting in an Overwhelming World

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The weight of parenting in a complicated and chaotic world can feel like so much, and it’s easy to lose sight of the glimmers of God’s glory around us. Join us as we pray for help in noticing and choosing to trust, even in the darkest moments. May you sense God’s presence with you and your family and experience the gift of wonder, even when things seem overwhelming.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for All Saints’ Day

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week, we spend time reflecting on All Saints’ Day, a holy day that commemorates all the people of God who have gone before us. We invite you to consider what God may be speaking into your life of faith as you think of the faithful lives of others who have gone before you. We give thanks that we—and our children—are never alone and are surrounded by a great body of believers.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for What Haunts Us

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Though we are not immune to fear—and there is much to fear in this world—we are not held captive by it. Pray with us this week as we ask the Light of the World to remind us that love and goodness have the final say, no matter how dark things feel. May we be comforted and also be a comfort to others, bringing light to the darkness together.

Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, is out now! This book is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for When Praying is Hard

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, praying feels hard to reach for. Maybe this is where you find yourself today or a feeling you often have. Perhaps your silence contains your prayers, or all you can manage to utter is a single sentence. This week, we offer a simple breath prayer and another short prayer asking the One who is with us to help us communicate love and compassion to those around us.

Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, is out now! This book is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Raising Peacemakers

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

We are not immune to the chaos that swirls around us. It’s too tempting to want to stick our heads in the sand, to try to ignore the violence and conflict in the world, or to not do or say anything in order to “keep the peace.” Yet keeping the peace is not the same as being peacemakers: pursuing justice, healing, and wholeness. Join us as we come before the Prince of Peace, asking for help in being a peacemaker and raising peacemakers in a warring world.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Choosing Welcome

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Throughout scripture, we see that God deeply cares about welcoming the stranger, the refugee, and the foreigner. Yet how do we extend that welcome to the neighbors around us, amidst the busyness of parenting and the weight of distressing headlines? This week’s prayer was written by Laura Hornby, a community liaison for We Welcome, a Christian group that provides educational resources, bipartisan action tools, and a supportive community for those seeking to take the next step in their advocacy for immigrants and refugees. Pray with us for a humble, generous, and curious spirit, so that we may choose welcome over self-preservation.

Learn more about We Welcome and their work by checking out their website and following them on Instagram.

Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, is out now! This book is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Holy Curiosity

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

As grown-ups, we can often unlearn the curiosity our children naturally have and express. They freely ask questions about anything from the ordinary to the disarmingly complex. Today, we’re sharing a prayer about holy curiosity by guest liturgist Kat Armas. You’re invited to pray alongside us as we ask the God of divine creativity to reconnect us to that precious spirit of curiosity so that we may see our reality anew.

Kat is a Cuban-American writer author, theologian, and speaker. You can grab her newest book, Sacred Belonging, here. You can also follow along with her work through her website and Instagram, @kat_armas.

Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, is out now! This book is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

You can check out Liturgies for Parents on Instagram for more prayers and encouragement and pick up your own copy of To Light Their Way wherever books are sold. For glimpses of Kayla’s experiences with parenting and faith, find her on Instagram at @kayla_craig.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Fall

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

It’s officially autumn. Perhaps you’re starting to notice the days getting a bit shorter or a certain crispness in the air coming through. As we witness trees burst into color and shed their leaves, may we join in this letting go and making space for new possibilities. We offer this prayer for fall, asking the God of all seasons to help us rest, marvel, and create dwelling places that are welcoming for our children and our neighbors.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.

A Prayer for Every Season Sacred

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

We’ve got exciting news: Kayla’s newest book, Every Season Sacred, releases this week! This book is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. For this episode, we’re sharing a blessing found at the beginning of Every Season Sacred about moving through the seasons of our faith and parenting with intention, wonder, and holy curiosity. May you find encouragement in these words.

Get your copy of Every Season Sacred here or wherever books are sold.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Struggling with Control

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

One of the scariest truths about parenting is that so much is out of our control. As the new school year rolls along and our children experience invitations to independence, we’re reminded that we can’t always be there. In this episode, we’re praying to remember God’s trustworthiness and love—and how we might empower our children to experience all that God has written for them.

Kayla’s new book, Every Season Sacred, is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers—and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. Preorder your copy before September 19, 2023, and get a collection of free gifts!

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Moms of Spicy Ones™

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Parenting can be a pressure cooker, revealing the limits of our humanity like nothing else. This week, we’re praying for those of us raising “Spicy Ones,” a term our guest liturgist Mary Van Geffen coined. Mary is a friend and parenting coach who is well-versed in this area, and she sees raising a Spicy One™ as an invitation to grow our love for ourselves and our children. We hope this prayer encourages you to take a deep breath and experience the graciousness and extravagant love of an ever-patient God.

You can learn more about Mary’s work by checking out her website and giving her a follow on Instagram at @maryvangeffen.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for When We’re Distracted

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:25:16 +0000

When we practice pausing and holding still, do we also practice noticing? How often do we stop and pay attention—taking in the details of a moment, truly seeing the person in front of us, tuning our ears to what’s beneath the noise? We invite you to come before the God of presence, praying that we would notice the life going on around us and be a family of noticers.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the Memories We Hold

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

There are countless moments we long to hold onto so that we remember them—your child waving bye to you as they step into their first day of school, watching them open presents on Christmas morning, a sweet smile stretching across their face one afternoon. We want to keep these memories close for the warmth, comfort, and joy they give us. This week, join us as we pray that the God of memory would help us remember what matters and to be awake to our lives and the people around us.

You can check out Liturgies for Parents on Instagram for more prayers and encouragement and pick up your own copy of To Light Their Way wherever books are sold. For glimpses of Kayla’s experiences with parenting and faith, find her on Instagram at @kayla_craig.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Passing on Our Faith

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

What if Christian parenting wasn’t about ensuring your children are obedient and using their obedience as a measurement of faith? For this week’s episode, guest liturgist Meredith Miller shares a prayer with us about helping our children really know God and nurturing who they are. Her upcoming book Woven is for parents who want to pass along a resilient faith based on a genuine love for and trust in God. We hope this prayer speaks to you and reminds you that God sees your family and offers tiny invitations of grace in your ordinary lives.

You can pre-order Meredith’s book here. Be sure to check out her website and follow her on Instagram.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Our Neighborhoods

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 05:00:00 +0000

What does it mean for our families to love our neighbors? It doesn’t need to be grand gestures aimed at solving the world’s most complex issues. Loving our neighbors can simply look like showing up in the world—ordering extra pizza to share with others, hosting a game of pickup basketball in your front yard, learning the names of those who live on your street, and so on. This week, join us in asking God for help in how to love our local and global neighbors the way Jesus did. May our families be known for cultivating friendship and peace.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Divine Interruptions

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

What if we reframed the interruptions we as parents experience? This week, we pause to consider how interruptions may be times when God is speaking to us. Perhaps they’re actually invitations to pay attention. Join us as we ask the One who is always with us for help noticing the divine in all the parts of our lives, especially in the changed plans and disrupted routines.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Those Who Serve

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

This week, we offer a prayer for those who serve and care for others. We come to the God who parents us, giving thanks for the ways in which we are so dearly loved as children. We ask for help to dwell in wonder so that we may never lose sight of the sacred in everything from sanctuaries to hospital rooms. May this prayer bless you, and may you minister out of your belovedness.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the Fears Our Kids Have (And We Do Too)

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Our guest liturgist for this episode is author, speaker, and songwriter Amanda Held Opelt, who writes about faith, grief, and creativity—believing in the power of community, ritual, shared worship, and storytelling to heal even our deepest wounds. Amanda wrote and shared this heartfelt prayer with us about coming before God with all of our apprehensions, asking for courage and guidance as we teach our children how to lament and worship, despite the fears we have.

You can listen to Kayla’s interview with Amanda on the Holy Unhappiness Podcast here. Find Amanda on Instagram at @amandaheldopelt, and check out her newest book, Holy Unhappiness, here.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Those Who Wait

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

For this week’s episode, poet and speaker Tanner Olson shares a beautiful blessing with us in our waiting. Tanner’s writing weaves together faith, questions, humor, and hope as he encourages us to slow down and remember that life is meant to be enjoyed, even amidst all of the unknowns. If you find yourself in a season of waiting, may these words speak to your heart and spirit.

Find Tanner on Instagram at @writtentospeak, and find his books here.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Freedom & Flourishing for All

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:00:00 +0000

As we take time to celebrate freedom this week, we invite you to reflect on what freedom means for you and what living into God’s freedom looks like. May you and your family embrace a posture of abundance, extending love to others and working toward their flourishing.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Summer Vacation

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re setting off on a faraway destination, enjoying a staycation, or doing something in between, family vacations are an adventure. This week, we offer this prayer for your time together. May you savor the details of road trip snacks and unexpected pit stops and delight in the memories you’re making with your children. May your family practice generosity and hospitality with those you meet along the way.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Work & Rest

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:38:39 +0000

Work and rest can feel at odds with each other, especially when we consider work through the lens of productivity and rest through the lens of retreat. But what if we took these concepts and instead rooted them in belovedness? This week’s prayer comes from Justin McRoberts, a speaker, author, coach, musician, and podcast host. Join us for this special liturgy as we ask the One who calls us beloved to reshape our ideas of work and sabbath rest, letting them be pathways to knowing how deeply we are loved and how we may share perfect love with the world.

You can order Justin’s book, Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest here. Follow him on Instagram at @justinmcroberts.

Kayla's new book, Every Season Sacred, is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers—and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. Preorder your copy here.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Summer

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Summertime is here. The days stretch and often don’t seem as hurried. Join us for this prayer from Kayla’s upcoming book, Every Season Sacred. We ask the God of all seasons to help us be present to summer’s ordinary moments and released from the pressure of producing the “perfect” summer for our family. May you be awake to the glory surrounding us in these coming months.

Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers—and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. Preorder your copy here.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Parents Who Are Healing from Trauma

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Could there be another way to be strong, something different from bearing every burden on our own? This week, writer, speaker, and licensed professional counselor Aundi Kolber has offered a prayer for those of us who are parenting while healing from our own trauma. We pray these words meet you and feel like a balm in the tenderest places of your heart.

You can order Aundi’s book, Strong Like Water, here. Follow her and her work through her website and on Instagram at @aundikolber.

Kayla has a new book coming this September! Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers—and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. To learn more and preorder your copy, visit kaylacraig.com/newbook.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Another School Year's End

Mon, 29 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

With the end of the school year, we want to pause and offer a prayer to mark this transition. Join us in giving thanks, looking back on what was, and asking for compassion and curiosity for the world and all who live in it.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Belonging

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’ve invited Korean American author Tasha Jun to lend us her words this week. In this prayer for belonging, we are reminded that we are not outsiders to God, who divinely knit us together. Let us pray to the One who makes visible what is kept invisible that our children would feel seen and that their stories—and ours as parents—would reflect their heritage and the hope and survival of those who came before.

You can follow Tasha on Instagram at @TashaJunB and find where to grab a copy of her stunning book Tell Me the Dream Again here.

Kayla has a new book coming this September! Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers—and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. To learn more and preorder your copy, visit kaylacraig.com/newbook.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Weary Hearts & Spring Cleaning

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:05:47 +0000

It’s so easy to let “doing good” obscure our hearts, especially when it comes to trying to take care of children. While we so want to do what it takes to raise our children well, we also want for it to flow out of a clean heart. Let’s pray together, asking God to renew and refresh our hearts and those of our children, so we may enter into rhythms of righteousness and justice, goodness, and peace.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for a Busy Season

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

May marks another seasonal shift, as school years start to wind down and summer comes into view. Perhaps you’re planning graduation parties, making vacation plans, or scheduling carpool for sports games. It certainly can feel like a lot—because it is a lot. Join us for a brief pause to reflect on God’s presence through it all and ask for help to be awake to it.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Self-Doubt

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

We’ve got a special guest host for this week’s episode: Jonny Craig, husband to Kayla, who was out sick during our time of recording (real life, right?). You’re invited to pray with us about self-doubt, which so many parents experience. Let’s ask the God of tender compassion for help in being gentle with ourselves and our children.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Cultivating Goodness

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, we want to offer a prayer for stewarding and celebrating the goodness of God’s creation. Join us as we ask the One who birthed the cosmos to help us connect with creation with the awe and compassion of our children, who delight in every marvelous detail. May this sacred connection spark hope and action to care for the earth that future generations will inherit.

Exciting news: Kayla has a new book releasing in September! Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God’s mysterious, loving presence together. You don’t have to have all the answers—and if we’re honest, many answers aren’t ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. To learn more, visit kaylacraig.com/newbook.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Resurrection & Renewal

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

One of the most profound things we can learn from our children is embracing audacious imagination and unbridled joy. So much of our faith is wrapped up in mystery, free of pat answers and tidy solutions. There is an invitation to step into that mystery, where—somehow—life conquers death and miracles are possible. Pray with us this week that we would live as Easter people, filled with joy and hope and proclaiming good news for all.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Good Friday

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

What would it look like for us to invite God into the suffering we’re holding? What if we were honest about our pain instead of silver lining it? Before we can fully celebrate Easter Sunday, we must go through Good Friday—which is considered the darkest day of the year for Christians around the world. Join us this week as we ask the Light of the world to help us remember and sit in the tension of the now and not yet.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Palm Sunday

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. We enter this space holding two things: we celebrate how Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem subverted cultural norms of power, and we solemnly remember his suffering. As you and your family prepare for Easter, we invite you to sit in that tension with us, acknowledging that a life in Christ encompasses joy and sorrow, life and death.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the One Who Parents Alone

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Every March 21st, we celebrate Single Parents Day: a day set aside to honor the hard work and sacrifices of single parents who–for whatever reason–raise their children alone. If you are parenting alone, know that you are seen and you are not alone. For those of us who are not parenting alone, consider this an invitation to show up for your friends, family, and neighbors who are. This week, we come before God with all that we juggle and ask for a sense of nearness and lavishing of love.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Living Out Faith (Inspired by St. Patrick)

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

How much do you know about Saint Patrick, whose feast day we observe on March 17? Saint Patrick, a fifth century Christian missionary, is remembered for his humility, compassion, and commitment to spreading the message of Christ's love. His steadfast faith and dedication to service in the face of challenges and obstacles he encountered is something we can look to as parents. Let’s take time this week together to pray and reflect on how we can model our values to our children, encouraging them to love well and live with compassion and hope.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Creativity

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

We often think of Lent as a time of doing without, but what would it look like if we intentionally added on? This week, we encourage you to incorporate creativity as you move through the Lenten season with your family. Join us as we come before the Maker God, asking for help to cultivate our children’s creative lives and to also be inspired by it.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Lent

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

It is the season of Lent, a time for spiritual preparation and renewal. We join generations upon generations of Christians who have embarked on this forty-day journey, asking God to examine our hearts and help us to reorient ourselves toward Christ. This week, let us pray together for God to illuminate the way for us and for our children as we turn away from the world and toward the One who leads from death into life.

Find Kayla’s litany for Lent and more prayers from others in Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The Lenten season begins with the sign of ashes—the fragility and uncertainty of human life. For this prayer for Ash Wednesday, we come to the God of dirt and dust who meets us in our humanity—in our everyday lives, work, and parenting. We ask for cleansed hearts and give thanks for compassionate, infinite love.

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This podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Valentine's Day

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In the spirit of St. Valentine’s Day, this week’s prayer is one about love: love for one another that is patient and kind, humble and gentle, forgiving and compassionate, protective and trusting, hopeful and persevering. May we model for our children what it means to love bravely, and let us leave a legacy that is marked by love.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Talking about Racism with Children

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:18:46 +0000

As parents, we long for our children to inherit a world that’s full of goodness and beauty. While we can’t fix everything that’s broken, we can help usher in hope and plant seeds of healing. Talking with our children about racism may seem intimidating, but it’s necessary and holy work. This week, let us pray for wisdom, openness, and honesty in such conversations, embracing our humanity and showing our children that it’s right to be upset about injustice.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Faith & Doubt

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Parenthood is messy, and in the depths of our most stressful and exhausting times, doubt can creep in. All of those worries that accumulate wear us down, and it’s hard not to feel like we’re just trying to stay afloat. We invite you to come to the God of rescue and restoration, acknowledging our doubts and asking for hope in the midst of them.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Loneliness

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

With these dark and cold days, many of us experience the weight of loneliness—the feeling of not being seen, being misunderstood, or simply being alone, even in the midst of a noisy world. This week, we share two offerings: a simple breath prayer and a longer prayer asking to be reminded that we are loved and held. May you find comfort in knowing you are known, and may you extend the warmth of friendship to others who feel lonely.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In the United States, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday of January. Join us in reflecting upon his subversive teachings, moving beyond the out-of-context quotes and instead challenging ourselves to do the costly work of justice. May the God of truth continue to give us prophetic imagination, so that we may envision and co-create an equitable world for all.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for a God Who Does the Impossible

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:07:48 +0000

The beginning of the new year may not feel like a fresh start for many of us. If you’re weary, consider this: hope is never out of reach. We invite you to come before the God who does the impossible, letting our wondering souls and tired spirits be reminded of the One who is with us and fulfills promises.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for a God Who Lights the Way (Epiphany)

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

January 6th marks Epiphany, a date in the Christmas story that celebrates how a star led the Magi to visit the baby Jesus. We come to Jesus—the Light of the world—asking for guidance for ourselves and our families so that we can be bringers of hope in a messy world. May this time of prayer be an encouragement to you and an invitation to reflect Christ’s light.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the New Year

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

As we wind down 2022 and look ahead to 2023, we pray that you experience the space you need to process and honor the year we are leaving behind. This week, let us come before the Creator of time to give thanks for new mercies and reflect on the joys and hurts. May you enter into the new year with glimmering hope and the knowledge that you and your family are held by a loving God.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Generosity

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In a culture that sells us promises of more, may we subvert the narrative that our lives are marked by what we don’t have and think we need. This week, we ask the God of abundance for liberation from the chains of consumerism and entitlement and to instead remind us of true goodness that sustains.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for St. Nick

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week, we mark the Feast Day of St. Nicholas of Myra, the real-life inspiration for Santa Claus. Known for his mercy and kindness, he gave away his inheritance to those on the margins. We pray that we would embody this generous spirit, modeling for our children a love that sees, embraces, and pours out in radical ways, big and small.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Advent

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Remember what holidays felt like as a child—the magic, the awe, and the tender hopefulness? This week, let us pray that Christ would reignite that wonder in us again and that the God of all things would illuminate the darkness in and around us. May we move through Advent with peace and celebration, with hearts open to our families and our communities.

Looking for an Advent reflection? Head over to kaylacraig.substack.com to sign up to receive a free downloadable resource. Each week includes snippets of more comprehensive prayers from To Light Their Way, along with a simple conversation/journal prompt, one tangible practice, and a breath prayer from a psalm.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Help in the Holidays

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Advent is here. This week, we want to soak in the anticipation of the season with two breath prayers. We invite you to pause with us, let wherever you are become a sacred space, and take a slow breath. As you navigate this time of year, which can be filled with heightened expectations and busy schedules, we hope you lean into the tenderness of Christ.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Gratitude

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

What if we considered gratitude as more than thankfulness, but as the tool that helps us move toward freedom? This week, we offer a simple breath prayer and a liturgy to help us cultivate a grateful heart. We hope it helps center you amidst the holiday bustle, reminding you of God’s faithfulness and all that is good and beautiful.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Adoption

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

It’s National Adoption Month. Whether you’re an adoptive parent, considering adoption, or know someone whose family story includes adoption, we invite you to pray along with us. This week, we come to God asking for help to see the glory of the children entrusted to us through adoption and honor the privilege of being part of their lives.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Voting (and Talking to Your Kids About Politics)

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

November 8th is Election Day in the United States. As parents, we get to cultivate in our children a value for curiosity and love for our neighbor, and this can look like talking with our kids about politics. Join us this week for this prayer for voting, asking God for guidance as we cast our ballots and model for our children the values of God’s Kingdom.

If you’d like another helpful resource for talking with your children about politics, check out this PBS Kids article by Kayla Craig.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for All Saints' Day

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We are part of a rich lineage of saints known and unknown. In honor of All Saints’ Day (November 1st), we consider the invitation God has for us parents as we reflect on the faithful lives of those who have gone before us. May you find comfort in the legacies of previous generations who have passed on, drawing wisdom from them as you show your children what it means to run the race marked out for us.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for When You’re Afraid

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We all have certain fears, whether we’re a grown-up or a child. The world gives us a lot to be afraid of: the thought of monsters under the bed or real-life terrors that keep us up at night. This week, we offer a simple breath prayer for when we’re scared or anxious, as well as a prayer for the God of peace to be near us when our fears take hold. May you and your children experience a renewed sense of comfort.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Changing Seasons

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We experience parenthood in cycles and seasons. They begin, end, and start anew, bringing different perspectives into focus, creating memories, and inspiring hope and gratitude for what has been and what will be. Join us this week for a prayer of giving thanks to the Maker of all things, who has been alongside our families and us through every season.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Our Daughters: International Day of the Girl

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

October 11th marks International Day of the Girl, a day celebrated around the world to advocate for global equity for girls. This week, we share a prayer for the daughters and girls in our lives—as well as for moms, grandmothers, and aunts, for the little girls they once were. May we give thanks for the gift of raising daughters and seek to do our part in creating a safer and more equitable world where they may flourish and know their worth.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Doubt

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Heartwrenching headlines, parenting through a tough season, difficulties in the home, and more can cast more shadow than hope. If you’re experiencing doubt, know that you are not alone. This week, we come to the God who cares, asking for help in being honest with our doubts, strength in our weariness, and comfort in our aches. We hope it speaks to your spirit.

Join us this week, October 3rd through 7th, over at @liturgiesforparents on Instagram to celebrate the first birthday of To Light Their Way with giveaways!

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Catching Your Breath

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re taking the time to catch our breath—a sacred pause to reset and to feel more rooted as we navigate our own journeys of faith and raising children. We share a simple breath prayer you can use to be present with the Divine amidst the chaos, as well as a larger prayer asking God to help us hold space for hope and usher in refreshment for our souls.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for a Sick Day

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

You may have noticed that we’ve been away for the past couple of weeks, and there’s a reason: sick days. It can be difficult to see our children under the weather, with runny noses, achy bodies, and fevers that seem to last forever. Pray with us for the Creator of all bodies to give us hope as we tend to our little ones.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Our Teachers

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

As we settle into the school year, let us remember those who pour into our children and enrich their lives: teachers. This week, we pray for those who do so much unseen labor, lovingly cultivate hearts and minds, and continue to show up day after day so that our children may have the opportunity to learn in safe and encouraging spaces. May we rally around the teachers in our own communities through kindness, compassion, and tangible support.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the School Year

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

In the flurry of shopping lists, packing lunches, and arranging carpools, take a moment to pause with us to commission our children into their new school year. May they continue to discover what brings them joy, what sparks their curiosity, and what ignites their wonder as they learn, make friends, and connect with their teachers. We give thanks to God who comforts them and goes with them on new adventures.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for a Child Leaving Home

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

August often signals a time of transition, especially for those of us who have older children leaving the nest. They carry the years of love and tender care poured into them. Let’s pray together that the God who goes before them will lead them through their next adventure—and that they will always know they have a home with us.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for First Day of Preschool

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Having a child start preschool is an exciting and bittersweet transition. We celebrate our little ones starting a new journey full of friends, messy play, and magical exploration. This week, we hope you join us for this prayer and blessing for the first day of preschool for our children and their teachers. May God guide and delight you through this milestone.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Mercy in the Mundane

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

How easy it is to gloss over the everyday details around us when we’re preoccupied with the future: what our children want to be when they grow up, what they might want to study in college, and so on. Let’s take some time asking God to root us in the present so that we may notice and grow in openness to love more fully inside and outside of our home.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Big Questions

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Children seemingly never run out of questions—they brim with curiosity, seeking to learn and understand anything they can. What if we, too, let ourselves be curious like children and ask questions? This week, our prayer is for honoring that freedom to ask, imagine, and marvel and to find God in all of our wondering.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Growing Pains

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

As parents, we experience the paradox of time: the long days and short years as our children go from newborns to teenagers seemingly overnight. For this episode, we’re offering a prayer for growing up, for us to embrace whatever season of parenting we’re in and for our children to know that our arms are always open and welcoming to them.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Summer Reading

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Have you paused to bask in the wonder of summer reading? For this episode, we share a prayer that expresses God’s presence in all of the details of soaking in books: from folded page corners to stories that open up entire worlds for our children. We hope it inspires you to see God the Author in new ways.

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The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Staying Awake

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

We check out of our present reality in so many ways, like through short-term comforts and busy distractions. But what if we allowed God to wake us from our slumber? Pray with us that the One who illuminates may root us and give us eyes to see, so that we may better love our families, neighbors, communities, and the world.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for When Life Feels Chaotic

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

For many of us right now, life feels chaotic. Whether it’s chasing after our children, managing summer schedules, chipping away at to-do lists, grieving the heaviness of the world, or all of the above, we can easily become disconnected from ourselves and God. Join us for this breath prayer to pause and recalibrate, and know that you and your family are held in the midst of it all.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Playing Together

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

There is something about play that opens us up to wonder and receiving from our Creator. We see how children seem to understand this innately: their playing grounds them in the present and allows them to delight without rush. This week, pray with us that it may be so, that we take the time to slow down and experience some magic through play.

Head over to Alabaster to grab a copy of Towards Rest, where you can find Kayla’s chapter about play and rest.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Fathers

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

With Father’s Day coming up, we’re offering a prayer for fathers, holding space for all of the love, complexities, grief, and joy. We hope this prayer meets you where you are and that you experience the comfort of God as your heavenly father as you listen and pray.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Summer

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

With the beginning of summer, we invite you to pray with us for childlike wonder and reminders of the Creator of all seasons. We reflect on Psalm 104:19 and Genesis 8:22, verses that tell of God’s constant presence with us. May this be an encouragement to you as you enter this time of year with your family.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the End of the School Year

Mon, 30 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Foster Care

Mon, 23 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

More than 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States. May is National Foster Care Month, and for this episode, we’ll be reflecting on God as a loving parent through Psalm 86:15. Even if foster care is not part of your journey, we invite you to pray with us for the caregivers and children whose stories include it.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for Hearing God

Mon, 16 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Hearing God doesn’t require us to be in just the right environment and under the perfect conditions. What if we asked to hear God in the ordinary or unexpected? This episode, we read from John 10:27 and offer a prayer for hearing the One who is present in all of the details of our everyday.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for When You Need Hope

Mon, 09 May 2022 05:30:00 +0000

Breath prayers give us a moment of pause and centering without the pressure of coming up with a bunch of pretty words. Join us for this episode as we meditate on Psalm 37:3-6 and share a breath prayer to help you focus your body and mind on the One who gives you each gorgeous breath. We hope that with this prayer, you feel a little more rooted and connected.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

A Prayer for the Overwhelmed

Mon, 09 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Feeling overwhelmed by parenting with all of the distractions and heaviness of a weary world? For our first episode, we’re offering A Prayer for the Overwhelmed (which can also be found on page 94 of To Light Their Way). Join us for this prayer for peace, strength for the day, and hope for tomorrow as we’re in the thick of parenting. May this time be a deep, restorative breath in the midst of the busy, the messy, and the clutter.

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. You can also help others find us by subscribing and leaving an honest review.

The Liturgies for Parents Podcast is made possible by our sponsor, Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about how—together—we can change the world through family by visiting bethany.org/kayla.

Trailer

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 19:25:59 +0000

Don’t have the words to pray? Now you do. If you're like most parents, you're exhausted. Prayer feels out of reach. But you're not alone.

With short, welcoming episodes, Liturgies for Parents invites parents like you to take a breath and find comfort in the prayers of another.

Each week, you'll hear some scripture, a short prayer, and a gentle reminder of God's presence in your life from Kayla Craig, a mom of four and author of To Light Their Way: A Collection of Prayers & Liturgies for Parents.

In a weary world, Liturgies for Parents offers a nuanced and nurturing moment of reprieve, inviting all who are raising kids to breathe and remember that God is with you. Liturgies for Parents will leave you feeling a bit more centered -- and a bit more rooted in God's big love for you, your family, and your neighbors, too.