Calling on God Inclusive Christian Prayers for Three Years of Sundays

Our review of Calling on God: Inclusive Christian Prayers for Three Years of Sundays finds it a thoughtful, practice-oriented prayerbook for contemporary congregations. Written as a companion to the traditional lectionary, the book offers fresh, creation-conscious language that helps worship leaders and individuals reframe familiar rhythms in more inclusive ways. The single biggest reason to buy is its steady supply of accessible prayers that intentionally name the natural world and social need in modern, resonant language, making communal prayer feel both rooted and renewed.

Key Features

• Lectionary-focused prayers: Provides prayers designed to align with three years of Sundays so worship planning can stay consistent and intentional.
• Inclusive language: Uses broad and welcoming phrasing to help congregations address a diverse assembly without excluding traditional sensibilities.
• Creation-conscious imagery: Brings the natural world into prayer so worshippers can connect spiritual life with environmental and embodied awareness.
• Contemporary voice: Offers new words and images that speak to modern concerns, making old rhythms feel relevant to present-day hearts and minds.
• Community-focused content: Encourages sharing and collective prayer practices that support both private devotion and public worship leadership.

Who It's For

Calling on God is best suited for worship leaders, pastors, and laypeople who follow the traditional three-year lectionary but want language that reflects contemporary concerns and inclusive theology. Small congregations, intergenerational services, and contemplative prayer groups will find the prayers easy to adapt and to voice in community.

Those seeking a strict liturgical manual, translations of ancient rites, or heavily academic theological commentary should look elsewhere; this book aims to refresh prayer practice rather than replace formal sacramental texts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Language that invites broader participation by using inclusive, contemporary phrasing.
• Prayers that intentionally incorporate creation imagery, helping worship reflect environmental awareness.
• Well suited to both private devotion and congregational use because of adaptable, accessible wording.

Cons

• Not a substitute for formal liturgical rubrics or detailed lectionary notes, so leaders may need additional resources for service structure.

Specifications

Title	Calling on God: Inclusive Christian Prayers for Three Years of Sundays
Authors	Peter Bankson, Deborah Sokolove
Content focus	Inclusive, creation-conscious prayers aligned with the lectionary
Audience	Christians using a three-year lectionary; worship leaders and congregations
Tone	Contemporary, invitational, community-oriented
Primary use	Corporate worship and private prayer

Our Verdict

Calling on God is a practical and thoughtful prayerbook for modern worship communities that want inclusive, creation-centered language. It is good value for leaders seeking adaptable prayers tied to the lectionary, and it helps make communal prayer feel more relevant without discarding familiar forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book follow the three-year lectionary?
Yes, the prayers are written as a companion for three years of Sundays, intended to align with lectionary rhythms.

Is the language suitable for congregational use?
Yes, the contemporary and inclusive phrasing is designed to be read aloud and shared in worship settings.

Will this replace formal liturgies?
No, it refreshes prayer language and supports worship planning but is not a replacement for formal sacramental rubrics.