The Holy Rhythm

One of the most profound nuggets of wisdom I received from a mentor when I was in the discernment process for Holy Orders was when he helped me realize that I didn’t have to give up the “drummer” part of my identity to become a priest. He said that I might be wise to use my drumming as something to build upon as I crafted my metaphors for ministry.

I’ve pondered the idea of starting a blog for a few years now. Part of it is this pressure I feel to to have something profound to say about a variety of things on a regular basis. After all, isn’t that what religious leaders are supposed to do?

Yet I always stalled, and the more blog posts I read from other religious leaders, the less inclined I felt to have my own. It’s not that I don’t like what they have to say. It’s usually quite the opposite. I oftentimes come away thinking, “I couldn’t have said it better.”

But when I began praying the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) in the sanctuary at Christ the King Episcopal Church at the same time of day every day (as opposed to sometimes at home, sometimes in my study, sometimes in the church, or even not at all), something shifted in my spiritual life. It was subtle, yet significant.

I found the rhythm. Notice I said “the” rhythm as opposed to “my” rhythm. Because rhythm is always communal – when you are “locked in” to the rhythm, it is not your rhythm. It derives from something – or Someone – else. In the Christian tradition, that Someone else is the Holy Spirt.

By praying (and oftentimes chanting) the Daily Office at the same place, the same time – even  the same seat – I have been able to establish a “holy rhythm” to my day. It has been liberating in many ways. One way has been that I STOP what I am working on in my study and walk over to the sanctuary to pray. Even if I have to stop right smack dab in the middle of an email, task, or project.

I also schedule my appointments around the Daily Office. I used to say “yes” to just about any meeting or appointment at any time. I made myself infinitely available. Now, I oftentimes invite the person to join me in praying the Office and meeting with me before or after. Now, my task list no longer sets the rhythm of the day. The Daily Office sets the rhythm of the day. And for the first time since I have been the rector of a church, I have begun to feel like I am finding the rhythm of this joyous and wonderful calling.

At Christ the King, our sanctuary is open for prayer during regular weekday business hours, and you are always welcome to stop in for prayer or meditation. For the week of November 11, the church office will be closed on Monday, November 12th for Veterans’ Day. We will have Morning Prayer in the church on Tuesday-Friday at 9:30am and Evening Prayer in the church on Tuesday Thursday, and Friday at 4:30pm. On Wednesday, we have our Celebrate the Saints service (Holy Eucharist w/ prayers for healing).

If you would like to experiment with praying the Daily Office on your own, visit www. missionstclare.com or attend one of the upcoming instructional classes on praying the daily Office at Christ the King.