Wednesday January 10, 2024

Today is Wednesday, January 10 and we are learning what the Bible says about Sabbath.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As a new year begins I seek to learn how God wants to bless me through the practice of Sabbath.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, you created me and you know what is best for me. Teach me how to stop my busyness, rest in your love and delight in your presence. I want to live the rhythm of life you designed for me. Amen.

I rest in God’s love for me and praise him with the words of Psalm 107.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:29-31

Pause and Pray

The Gospels present a picture of Jesus as an itinerant preacher constantly on the go – healing, preaching, and teaching surrounded by a crowd of followers. Yet the scriptures also tell of times when he left the crowds and went away, announcing to his disciples his desire to be alone. He got into a boat and pushed out into the water to escape the crowded shoreline. He disappeared into the mountains to pray alone to his Father. Jesus understood the burdens of a busy life and found time away for quiet and solitude. Jesus wants us to find that same kind of rest – rest for our souls.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

I live in a noisy world full of stress, anxiety, expectations, commitments and demands. The Bible promises me a different life. Christ invites those who are weary and carrying heavy burdens to come and find rest. I am promised rest. Rest for my soul. I am promised peace. The peace that passes understanding. I am encouraged to come to him. Coming to Christ means turning away from some things and letting go of others. Coming to Christ means asking him to lift the burdens caused by sin, sorrow, and stress.

Ask: Where in my life is there weariness? Where do I feel burdened?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I come to find rest in your presence. Lift my weariness, lighten my burden, and reduce the load I bear. My soul longs for the rest that you offer. My heart seeks the peace that you promise. Calm my mind and refresh my spirit. Show me what it means to find a weekly respite and time of renewal. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

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

Jesus invites me to take his yoke upon me. When a yoke is placed on a horse or an ox, they are compelled to obey the directions of the driver. Christ invites me to willingly take the yoke he offers. A yoke that is not heavy but easy and light. Jesus says learn from me. I will teach you. I will direct you. I will show you the way you should go. I will lighten your load and guide you to places of nourishment and rest. He is not a harsh master, but loving, gentle and humble. I can trust him with everything because he wants the best for me.

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are Lord of the Sabbath. I come to you with the burdens I have been carrying alone. Ease my load. Thank you for the rest you offer the weary. Rest for my body, rest for my mind, and rest for my soul. Free me from my ceaseless busyness to abide in your gentle presence. Empower me for the tasks you give and unite me with others in service. I welcome the yoke you offer and the peace you provide. Amen.

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27-28

I leave this time of prayer empowered by the love of Christ, I go to do good work in his kingdom loving and serving others in his name.

Amen