Douglas McKelvey

Douglas McKelvey is an American author and lyricist known for writing liturgical works and children's literature. His most recognized book is "Every Moment Holy," a collection of modern liturgies for daily life published in 2017. McKelvey spent part of his early career writing lyrics for various musicians in Nashville's music industry. He later shifted his focus to crafting contemporary prayers and liturgies that address modern situations while drawing from historical Christian traditions. His work includes the young adult fantasy novel "The Angel Knew Papa and the Dog," the children's book "Stories We Shared," and multiple volumes in the "Every Moment Holy" series. These books have found particular resonance among readers seeking to integrate spiritual practice into ordinary daily activities. McKelvey's writing style combines elements of traditional Christian liturgy with contemporary situations and language. He serves as writer in residence for Church of the Redeemer in Nashville, Tennessee, where he continues to develop new liturgical works and other literary projects.

Readers highlight McKelvey's poetic writing style and his ability to create sacred moments through liturgical prayers, particularly in "Every Moment Holy." Many reviews note the book helps them find meaning in daily tasks and difficult situations. Reviews emphasize the practical applications: "These prayers help me pause and reflect during ordinary moments like drinking coffee or changing diapers" (Goodreads). Multiple readers mention using the book as a family devotional. Some readers find the language too formal or archaic. A few note the physical books are expensive, though they appreciate the quality of the binding and illustrations. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.9/5 (2,000+ ratings) - Every Moment Holy Vol 1: 4.9/5 - Every Moment Holy Vol 2: 4.9/5 - Stories We Feasted On: 4.7/5 - The Angel Knew Papa and the Dog: 4.8/5 Consumer review themes center on the books' usefulness for daily spiritual practice and family worship.

Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 (2017) A collection of liturgies for daily moments and activities, covering both ordinary and milestone occasions.

Every Moment Holy, Vol. 2: Death, Grief, and Hope (2021) A compilation of liturgies specifically focused on seasons of loss, mourning, and end-of-life experiences.

The Angel Knew Papa and the Dog (1996) A children's novel about a young girl and her father facing a dangerous flood in their rural valley.

Stories We Shared: A Family Book Journal (2016) A guided journal for families to record their shared reading experiences and discussions.

Of Poems and Prayers (1997) A collection of poetry exploring themes of faith, doubt, and human experience.

The Wishes of the Fish King (2016) A picture book depicting a father sharing imaginative stories with his daughter during their walks together.