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, we considered how the practice of Sabbath deepens our attachment to God. The foundation of the gospel is an invitation to a new family. We are welcomed–through the work of Christ–into a life of love and belonging. This attachment or union with God is the center of our salvation and formation in Christlikeness. Sabbath helps us identify and surrender other attachments in our lives and cultivates a life of deeper attachment with God. If you couldn’t be with us, please make some time this week to practice with us.
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. Our specific invitation for this week is to continue reflecting on our Sabbath practices. What is helpful and what is not? And what are we learning from those activities we are drawn toward during Sabbath?
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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