In a culture dominated by busyness, the Christian practice of Sabbath cultivates an important and counter-cultural rhythm orienting our whole lives around the presence and kingdom of God. A Sabbath rhythm is woven into the fabric of creation and creates space for connecting with God, ourselves, and one another. When we intentionally rest from work, productivity, and striving, we open ourselves to God’s profound and personal love. What if a regular rhythm of resting from all the ways we try to earn love is the best way to learn and know deep in our souls that God loves us?
This week, Keri Wyatt Kent posed three questions. What does it mean to rest? What does it mean to be free, and what does it mean to trust? With these questions in mind, we considered what practices and activities would be helpful for us to engage on Sabbath.
Kingdom Practices
Our kingdom practice for this week and this month is to practice an intentional, weekly Sabbath. Over the course of the month, we will find ourselves refining our practice as we learn what is helpful on Sabbath and what is not. We also recognize that Sabbath (especially as we begin) is hard. Many of us need to learn how to rest, so don’t give up. Even if your practice has been difficult, press in and let go. I promise there is freedom and joy on the other side of the struggle.
You can find the Order of Practice here.
Additional Resources
Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva Dawn
The Sabbath by Rabbi Abraham Heschel
Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity by Keri Wyatt Kent
Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent
Three Mile and Hour God by Kosuke Koyama
Sabbath by Dan Allender
Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest by Ruth Haley Barton
A Sabbath Guide from Practicing the Way
If you have a story to share about how you have been encountering God in this season, we would love to hear it!
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