This hymn began as an exploration of the commandment to rest and to ensure rest for the people, animals, and land around us. I was inspired by ongoing conversations about rest as an issue of justice including the work of Tricia Hersey, the “Nap Bishop,” who teaches that rest can be both resistance and reparation.

While reviewing the song, Adam Tice suggested that it might also work at a funeral or memorial with a few important modifications. We decided to move forward with two versions. I imagine it might be particularly powerful for a community to use this song both as an affirmation of sabbath rest for the living, and also as a blessing for the eternal rest of those who have died.

You can find a preview of the text and music here. It can also be found as a part of Ben Brody’s new collection, At the Weaving of Creation. This piece can be reproduced for worship using One License.