Rhythms

a liturgy for numbering my days

Would You teach me to number my days? 
They are days and times
that You have ordained. 
Days mixed with work, rest and play.

Would You teach me to number my days? 
Teach me to turn to You throughout the day. 
Inviting You into the rhythms
that You’ve placed on my heart this term: 
Go to bed earlier. 
Eat more of this, less of that. 
Meet with so and so on this day 
Study language at this time 
Nap along with my students and co-workers
in the afternoon, 
because I actually need to rest, too. 
Remind me that these rhythms
are not to box me in. 
Instead, they help me to be a better steward
of the days I’ve been allotted.

Would You teach me to number my days? 
Whether I rise up early to meet with You, 
go for a run and feel Your pleasure, 
or linger with You in the night. 
In You I live and move and have my being.

Would You teach me to number my days? 
Show me how to steward the gifts
and resources You’ve given me. 
Directing me to those
who need a listening ear, or 
working with a student or colleague
who asked for my help. 
One who has prepared
good works for me to do, 
I look to You
to confirm the work of my hands.

Would You teach me to number my days? 
Teach me to abide with You this semester, 
Whether I’m working, resting,
learning language, or doing mundane tasks,
You tend my days. 
May I be humble
when I’m consistent in these things, 
and restored by Your daily grace
when I’m not. 
One who holds all things together, 
Please teach me to number my days
so that I may gain a heart of wisdom.

Amen

Further exploration

You can find a printable version of this liturgy here: Rhythms.

Post Author

Erika McIntyre

Series Editor

Erika McIntyre

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Image designed by Elaine Liu.