Monday January 15, 2024

Today is Monday, January 15 and we are studying what scripture says about Sabbath rest.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on the God who loves me. As a new year begins I seek to learn how God wants to bless me and my faith family through the practice of Sabbath.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, you created me and know what is best for me – body, mind and soul. Teach me the secret of contentment and what it means to be satisfied with the goodness you provide. Help me practice the rhythm of life you designed and find weekly Sabbath rest in your love. Amen.

I celebrate God’s love and praise him with the words of Psalm 63.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:3-5

Pause and Pray

Jesus sent out his twelve disciples in pairs to do the work of ministry. Two by two they went around Galilee traveling to one village after another. They shared the good news of Christ, taught the truth of the kingdom, preached repentance for sins, healed the sick and cast out demons (Mark 6:6-13). Upon their return, they gathered around Jesus to tell him who they encountered on their journey and what they accomplished through their work.

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. Mark 6:30-32

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, cared for the welfare of his “undershepherds.” On hearing his disciples’ enthusiastic report on all they had done and taught in the surrounding villages, Jesus was keenly sensitive to their need for rest. Jesus likely had his own weariness. The weariness arose from the constant needs of the people surrounding him and the crowds that pressed in on him. The comings and goings were so persistent that he and the disciples had not even eaten. He invited his weary friends to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest. I hear his invitation alongside the disciples. In a demanding world of constant expectations and mounting pressure, Jesus invites me to come with him to a quiet place and get some rest.

Ask: What would it look like for me to join Jesus in a quiet place to rest? Where would I go and what would I do?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, thank you for caring for me and recognizing my places of weariness. I am busy loving and serving others and am anxious to do good work in the world that honors you. Sometimes the demands are time consuming, the pressure is great and I feel inadequate. Invite me to join you in a quiet place for the rest and renewal that I desperately need. Show me the solitary place where I can go to find you. I read the words from Mark again and listen for the message you have for me.

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. Mark 6:30-32

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God has empowered and equipped me to live a life serving others, working to earn money, laboring to maintain a home, and striving to raise a family. I run errands, tend to chores, and care for my loved ones. I fulfill my responsibilities to my employer and those in my care. God knows I need time for rest. Time away to recharge, find refreshment and renewal. Time alone with him. I hear the words of Jesus spoken directly to me this morning. He calls my name and says, “Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.” How will I respond to the invitation of the Good Shepherd?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come, let me hear your voice speaking into my life. Tell me when it is time to go and do and when it is time to stop and rest. You know me so well – even better than I know myself. I look to you to assign my comings and goings. Teach me to slow down, show me how you want to bless me with times of Sabbath rest. Amen.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

I leave this time of prayer reminded of God’s invitation to rest. I go to love and serve others out of the strength he gives me.

Amen