a sabbath prayer

I continue to enjoy my rhythm of Sabbath this fall. I am loving my mornings of solitude, reading, & prayer, afternoons with friends and outside, and evening worship with my church community! However, recently, I have been more mindful and aware of those who can not afford the time or space to enjoy the day of rest that God gives us to enjoy (much less time for solitude, silence, and contemplation). Those who do not earn a living wage and must work long hours 7-days a week…those who are oppressed and persecuted… those who are exhausted and worn out from living and sleeping on the streets…those who are hungry and starving….and those who suffer pain, abuse, or disease.

Just two Sundays ago, I was enjoying my Mother Teresa book on the beautiful bluffs of Long Beach overlooking the ocean when a couple awoke from a rough night of sleep under a tree. Their day began with the stress of life and survival and a big argument. Their reality was a good interruption to my savoring the moment. It is something I need to continue to wrestle with, as I find my own rhythm of life and Sabbath.

Christine Sine, in her book Godspace (formally titled Sacred Rhythms), shares her similar struggle. She shares her Sabbath prayer which reminds her of God’s promises for Sabbath rest both now and eternal.

As we close this Sabbath day, O God, we come longing for your future to be revealed.
In a world polluted and destroyed, we remember you promise renewal for all creation,
Your Sabbath rest is all inclusive.
In a world where many are heavy laden, you promise to take our yoke upon you,
Your Sabbath rest shares our burdens.
In a world where many are imprisoned and persecuted, you promise to set the captives free,
Your Sabbath rest frees from oppression.
In a world where many are starving, you promise to feed the hungry,
Your Sabbath rest provides abundance for all.
In a world where many are diseased and disabled you promise to heal the sick,
Your Sabbath rest brings us wholeness.
We live in anticipation of that day when Christ returns, and a Sabbath rest comes for all peoples,
Not alone but as part of a great international community that is your body.
Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and our lives,
And grant us your eternal Sabbath rest.

May our Sabbath day and worship always leave space and make effort to include and invite those who are “weary and heavy laden.” May we point to God’s promises and seek to be instruments of those promises of His rest today! While we also look forward to the day when Jesus returns to fully liberate and usher in eternal Sabbath rest!