Embody the Sabbath
Dena DeVormer, field support minister
When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. -Luke 13:12-13
In most things, I consider myself a rule follower. When it comes to observing the Sabbath, I have not always been so good at following the rules regarding rest and lack of working. It appears that I am in good company. In the scripture about Jesus healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath, he was accused by the synagogue leader of breaking that rule by “working.” Jesus saw the much greater need of bringing restoration and healing to the woman, regardless of the day of the week. By healing the woman, he was observing the Sabbath in a more meaningful way than if he had been resting and not working. He embodied the Sabbath through his compassion for the woman.
My “working” on the Sabbath is not nearly as life empowering as Jesus’ work. I need to observe the Sabbath more regularly and take time to allow my body and mind to refresh and rejuvenate. Sometimes this may literally mean that I need more physical rest. Many times it means I need to focus on “what matters most” through nurturing relationships. That may mean I take the time to call that friend I haven’t spoken to for a very long time, to visit in person with friends and family, or to participate in activities that provide an opportunity for me to meet new friends. It also means taking time to nurture my relationship with Jesus through intentional study, meditation, and reflection.
I will continue to look for ways to follow this “rule” in a manner that is life-filling for everyone I encounter. In that way, I will strive to embody the Sabbath to its greatest potential.
Prayer Phrase
Peace, be still (Mark 4:39).
Spiritual Practice
Inner Stillness
In the contemplative tradition, silent prayer is about cultivating a quality of inner stillness. You may visualize the story of Jesus calming the storm as a way of entering into this quality of prayer. Notice how churned up the waters of your soul are currently. As you breathe deeply, imagine a sacred stillness forming within you. What might it look like to engage all your relationships and daily tasks from this place of inner stillness? As you move through your day, notice when you feel stirred up and when you experience inner calm. Take note of patterns and themes. Invite all of your noticing into prayer as you continue to grow deeper in God as the source of your life and action.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
