I crafted this liturgy using the steps outlined in the new book, “Crafting Liturgies for Life Abroad” by Heather Fallis available on Amazon July 1st, 2025. Check out her beautiful liturgies on Instagram @liturgiesforalifeabroad. Note: This liturgy may make an appearance in my new book!

Lord, why does everything happen at once?
Why can’t the events be spaced out?
Why are commitments clustered in the present
when next week the calendar is free?
Why do the crises come when we’re already booked up?

The conference, ladies’ event, deadline,
monthly meeting, pre-scheduled appointment,
out-of-town visitors, dinner guests.
As well as the last minute invitation,
urgent email, sudden funeral, early arrival,
broken appliance, twisted ankle, sick child.

I’m feeling anxious about getting it all done;
worried about forgetting something important;
afraid I’ll make a mistake or double book;
perturbed because I have to say no to something;
irritated that I can’t devote time to each one;
upset that I might have to declare it done before it’s perfect.

I confess I don’t like being this busy,
rushing around or having to choose.
I prefer to space out my events and commitments;
Neatly organized with recovery time in between.

I realize I’m afraid of not performing perfectly.
I feel guilty for needing recoup time
and not being as resilient as I’d like.
I admit that the busier I get,
the more I treat people as tasks to cross off my list
instead of fellow image-bearers needing care.

I can’t do it at all. What do I prioritize?
How do I know which one to let go?
Do I try to do it all and recoup later?

Lord Jesus, you were bombarded with requests.
You didn’t have time to debrief or even eat.
You tried to get away to a quiet place and rest
only to be followed and greeted by more crowds
when you arrived at the “restful place.”
So you kept going and fed 5,000.
You compassionately and miraculously met the need.
Only after all were fed did you retreat to pray.

You offered rest to your disciples too
but their peaceful jaunt across the lake turned into a 
harrowing fight for life in a ravaging storm.
You saw them, Lord, and you came walking on the water 
to demonstrate your power and calm their fears.

Those moments with you in the boat, Lord, must’ve been sweet. 
Fearful, witnessing your might and glory,
and yet alone with you, their Savior.

Help me, Jesus, to capture moments alone with you
on the way, between events, in the midst of the waves, in the boat.
Calm my storm, Lord. Show your mighty power on my behalf. 
Multiply my meager efforts. Give me courage to do the next thing.
And compassion for those who need my help.

Even in the storm, even in the crowds, you are with me;
Your greatness and power strengthen me to keep going. 
You are the one who heals and teaches and changes lives.

Amen
(Mark 6)