A LITANY FOR THE HURRIED LIFE
by Don E. Saliers
I’d like to walk under the open sky long enough
To let the rain rain down on me and the sun to warm my face;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to be attentive to the song of birds
And of all creatures hymning the world to you in praise;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to have eight, full glorious hours of sleep,
To awake refreshed and new with joy in the morning;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to visit those ill and confined
Who need a smile and a touch of human care;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to bring healing and peace to the imprisoned,
To the stranger, to the dying;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to write a long letter to my family and friends
Telling each how life is with me, and thanking them just for being;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to be still one evening long enough to see the subtle change
From light to dark and the chorus of stars in the night sky;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
I’d like to praise you; for all that we’ve been give
With all the breath within me;
But I haven’t time, Lord, but I haven’t time.
Take from us the burden of rushing through our lifetimes,
Redeem the time with us, in us, through us.
Help us live in your time; our times are in your hand.
AMEN.