"Redeeming the time, for the days are evil."
— Ephesians 5:16"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
— Psalm 90:12Time is our most precious and irreplaceable gift. Unlike money, which can be earned back, or talents, which can be developed — time, once spent, is gone forever. The Apostle Paul urges us to redeem the time, to use it wisely, intentionally, and for the glory of God.
Week 2 is our Time Sunday. We reflect on how we spend our time and how much of it we are offering to God — through prayer, through worship, through fellowship, through service to others. Stewardship of time begins with presence: showing up, staying connected, and building the community of the Church together.
The Orthodox tradition calls us to structure our time around the rhythms of the Church — the daily cycle of prayer, the weekly Liturgy, the fasts and feasts of the year. This is not a burden; it is a gift. It is how we order our lives around what matters most.
- Attend the Divine Liturgy regularly — Sunday worship is the heart of our parish life.
- Stay for fellowship — build community and deepen relationships after services.
- Keep a daily prayer rule — offer the beginning and end of each day to God.
- Fast with the Church — Wednesdays, Fridays, and the fasting seasons.
- Read Scripture daily — let God's Word shape your mind and heart.
- Learn throughout the year — attend classes, catechesis, and retreats.
- Serve in a ministry — offer your presence and energy to the life of the parish.
- Help and support others — make a difference through acts of mercy and kindness.
- Homily on the gift of Time and how we offer it to God.
- Testimony from a fellow parishioner.
- Fellowship discussion: "How to Build a Prayer Rule."
- Encourage parishioners to fill out the Time section of their Commitment Card.
- Attendance, prayer, fasting, learning, fellowship — these are the fruits of faithful time stewardship.
- Stewardship begins with presence — showing up for God and for one another.
- A daily prayer rule anchors our lives in God, not in the noise of the world.
You do not need to do everything at once. Begin with one commitment: coming to Liturgy every Sunday. Or starting a five-minute prayer in the morning. Or fasting on Wednesdays. One faithful step, taken consistently, is worth more than grand intentions never acted upon.
Over time, as we give God our time, He transforms it. He multiplies it. He fills our days with meaning, purpose, and peace.