S9E3 Liturgy in the Wilderness (with Dan Marotta)

Always Forward Podcast

Dan Marotta, founding rector of Redeemer Anglican Church in Richmond, Virginia joins us for this episode. He shares his personal spiritual struggles during seminary, where academic knowledge of Christianity didn't translate into personal spiritual growth, leading him to discover the transformative power of liturgy. His book 'Liturgy in the Wilderness' reflects on how structured, repetitive prayer can re-engage one's heart with God and help bridge the gap between belief and practice. The conversation explores the concept of the Christian life as a "wilderness" journey and the role of secularism in modern Christian anxiety and diminished imagination. Dan challenges the common notion that beliefs come first and habits follow; instead, he suggests that habits often precede and influence beliefs. And he describes how liturgical prayer can offer a solution by helping Christians engage in formation from the outside in, focusing on practices that open individuals to God's transformative power.