S1E2: Ancient Church Rhythms for Mental Health and Peace

Written by Rev. Dan King

Christ-follower. husband. father (bio and adopted). deacon and director of family ministry at st. edward's episcopal church. author of the unlikely missionary: from pew-warmer to poverty-fighter. co-author of activist faith: from him and for him. president of fistbump media, llc.

October 19, 2025

“The rhythms that provide structure and stability, the community with others so that we’re not alone, and the discovering of deeper levels of connection with Christ who is our source of life and identity.
All together is where we find that the liturgical calendar can bring significant mental health benefits.”
Holy Rhythms for Hurting Hearts

When life feels chaotic, the ancient rhythms of the Church can help restore peace to the soul.
In this episode of The BibleDude Sessions, Rev. Dan King explores how the liturgical year — with its sacred seasons, prayers, and shared rituals — forms the heartbeat of the Church and steadies our lives in Christ.

In This Episode

In a world where everything moves fast, we often lose our sense of rhythm.
But the Church has been keeping time with Christ for centuries.

In this conversation, Dan dives into the beauty and purpose of the liturgical calendar — how it helps us sync our hearts with God’s story, creates belonging in community, and shapes a spiritual rhythm that fosters both peace and purpose.

You’ll hear stories of:

  • Studying the Advent collects and learning how to wait well.

  • Discovering the power of shared rituals to combat loneliness.

  • Seeing how sacred rhythm becomes the heartbeat of the Church — and of our faith.

This is an invitation to slow down, listen for the pulse of grace, and find healing in holy time.

Key Quote

“Shared rituals and traditions foster a sense of belonging and connection to a community, which is essential for mental well-being.”
Holy Rhythms for Hurting Hearts, p. 11

Scripture Reading

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Collect Prayer

Eternal Lord,
whose wisdom orders all things in time and season,
grant that our hearts may find their rhythm in You.
As the Church year turns, tune our souls to your mercy,
that we may find peace in Your presence and purpose in Your timing.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflect & Respond

This week’s challenge:

🕯️ Explore the rhythms of the Church calendar.

Pick a current or upcoming season and find one way to align your spiritual practice with it — maybe through a daily collect, Scripture reading, or reflection time. Pay attention to what happens when your soul begins to move in time with God’s heartbeat.

Bonus Resource

Download the Liturgical Heartbeat Calendar — a one-page printable guide that walks through the Church year, with reflection prompts for each season.

Free Resource

The Liturgical Heartbeat Calendar

The Liturgical Heartbeat Calendar helps you move in rhythm with the seasons of the Church year. Each season offers a short reflection to help you pause, pray, and stay centered in God’s presence.

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S1E2: Ancient Church Rhythms for Mental Health and Peace

by Rev. Dan King time to read: 2 min
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