Suggestions for Sabbath-Living (Everyday)

This afternoon while searching for a file on my computer, I stumbled upon this list of Sabbath-living suggestions in a newsletter from the Henri Nouwen Society (Winter 2008). Good reminders to make space for Sabbath rest throughout the week.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. 

 ~ Psalm 23 

• Light candles -at dinner, when you read or during a bath. Say a blessing as you light it and let it remind you of the Holy Spirit’s presence and comfort.
• Set aside thirty minutes each day for Sabbath. Do something restful or nourishing during this time--pray, read scripture or other sacred texts, walk outdoors, nap, or enjoy a favorite drink. Spend this time in a place of beauty.
• Spend a few moments outside each day just looking and noticing God’s creation.
• Don’t answer the phone between 5 and 8pm.
• When you wake up in the morning, give yourself time to review your dreams before getting out of bed.
• Turn off the radio and the phone when driving your car.
• Take a monthly retreat day at a local monastery or retreat center.
• Set aside one evening a week to have a Sabbath meal. Invite friends over. Make the food yourself. Light candles. Say a prayer of blessing and gratitude. Make it a joyful time of conversation and good food.
• Declare a “silent hour” at some point during the day.  Spend the time in silence alone, or with others, reading, praying, or doing other creative activities.
• Set designated evenings as “television-free.”
• Consecrate one day a week as a Sabbath day. Spend the day resting, playing, praying and enjoying your family. Turn off the TV and other entertainment devices. Don’t work or run errands. Nap. Take walks. Eat good food. Read. Spend time with friends.

Dear God, Speak gently in my silence. When the loud noises of my surroundings and the loud inner noises of my fears keep pulling me away from you, help me to trust that you are still there even when I am unable to hear you. Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying “Come to me, you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest . . . for I am gentle and humble of heart.” Let that loving voice be my guide. Amen
~ Henri J. M. Nouwen, With Open Hands

Taken from: Henri Nouwen Society Newsletter (Winter 2008)
http://www.henrinouwen.org/

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!

a new rhythm of sabbath...

This past year I have tried with spoty success to be more intentional about making space for weekly Sabbath! Pastor and author, Eugene Peterson, once wrote an article titled "Confessions of a Former Sabbath Breaker." Needless to say, I relate! God gave us Sabbath rest for a reason with our best interest in mind. Why is it so easy to neglect obedience to rest?! Anyway, today was the "launch" for a new rhythm and discipline of Sabbath these months ahead before leaving for Argentina early next year.

My church started a new Sunday evening worship service, Grace at Night. So, I am looking forward to attending this evening service and beginning my Sabbath with morning solitude and space for God. Today I kicked things off by going to one of my favorite local places, an outdoor cafe overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Long Beach Art Museum. I also started reading Mother Teresa's private writings in the new book, Come Be My Light, which has spurred a lot of conversation and debate. After a great morning with God, coffee, and reading....I enjoyed an afternoon phone conversation with a good friend and took it slow. This Sabbath day closed with some meaningful worship and reflection on "Jesus, Light of the World" at Grace at Night!

This new Sabbath rhythm got off to a great start! It was a good day!

Come Be My Light begins with Mother Teresa’s mother’s parting words to her daughter as she left home for India, “Put your hand in His hand, and walk alone with Him. Walk ahead, because if you look back you will go back.” I appreciated reading more on Mother Teresa’s early years of formation and growing into her vocation. Her vocation was the “fruit of her profound relationship with Jesus.” I paid special close attention to the formation process that Mother Teresa went through those early years in the order....Mother Teresa truly walked ahead in spiritual formation and growing into her vocation!