I have often wondered if I should speak the things shown to me, or if I should remain silent. I was reading the following in Ezekiel 3:17-21. It is the reason for this letter. After I completed it, I thought perhaps there might be others in similar situations to myself, hence the reason why I am sharing it here. This letter was modified slightly from the original one so it is non identifying.

I pray the following is of use for others. Feel free to copy it and modify it for your own circumstances. The letter uses the word God and Jesus instead of Elohim and Yahshua as many people are simply not familiar with the original names.

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Letter for faith-based organisations

Dear _______,

I am writing to discuss the possibility of adjusting my working hours so that I may observe the appointed times given by our Father. At present, I am unable to keep these days as I understand we should.

I appreciate the responsibilities and needs of the workplace. I am not asking to avoid my duties, but to find a respectful and practical arrangement that allows me to honour these important times while continuing to fulfil my role.

The appointed times are listed in Leviticus 23. They include the Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, the appointed time of Harvest, Trumpets, Atonement, and Ingathering.

I understand that, as followers of Jesus, we are called to walk as He walked:

1 John 2:6
“Whoever says he lives in Christ ought to walk and conduct himself just as He walked and conducted Himself.”

Jesus observed the appointed times and the Sabbath. My request is simply for the opportunity to do the same.

Scripture also warns against treating God’s appointed times as an inconvenience to business:

Amos 8:4–5
“When will the New Moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath ended so that we may open the wheat market?”

Jesus likewise taught that worship should not be set aside for business:

Matthew 21:12–13
“My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a robbers’ den.”

For this reason, I respectfully ask that staff who sincerely wish to observe the appointed times of God be given a reasonable opportunity to do so, without judgement or disadvantage.

I am happy to provide relevant dates in advance and discuss practical options such as adjusted hours, leave, or other arrangements that minimise disruption to the workplace.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this request.

Yours truly,

Your name.

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Letter for other workplaces

Dear _______,

I am writing to request a discussion about occasional adjustments to my work schedule so that I can observe several important religious days throughout the year.

These dates are part of my sincerely held religious beliefs and practice. They include a weekly Sabbath, together with a small number of annual appointed days. I understand that the workplace has operational requirements, and I am not seeking to avoid my responsibilities. I would simply like to work with you to find an arrangement that is reasonable and practical for everyone.

Where possible, I am happy to provide the relevant dates well in advance. I am also willing to discuss options such as adjusting my hours on other days, swapping shifts where appropriate, using annual leave, or making another mutually suitable arrangement.

I value my role and want to continue contributing reliably to the workplace. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can observe these important days while continuing to meet the needs of the organisation and my position.

Thank you for considering my request. I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak with you about a suitable arrangement.

Yours sincerely,

Your name.

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Talking with your employer

• Ask for a private meeting at a suitable time.
• Keep the conversation calm, respectful and practical.
• Explain simply that these are sincere religious observances.
• Bring the relevant dates and give as much notice as possible.
• Be clear about what you are requesting: time off, a shift change, adjusted hours or leave.
• Show that you have considered the needs of the workplace.
• Offer practical options such as swapping shifts, making up hours, using annual leave or planning ahead.
• Ask whether there are any operational concerns, then listen and work toward a solution.
• Follow up in writing afterwards, confirming anything that was agreed.