Summer Sabbath Practices – 7.12.2018

BREATH PRAYER: FATHER, transform my heart in this ordinary time.

CENTERING:

As for God, his ways are perfect;
the words of the Lord are tried in the fire;
he is a shield to all who trust in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
who is the Rock, except our God?

Psalm 18:31-32

SETTLING IN:

• In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
• Open with silence. Set a timer for 1, 3, or 5 minutes so you can be free to rest and breathe deeply.
• Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.
• Read the centering verse above slowly (aloud or silently).
• Pause for a few moments of silence, then pray this week’s breath prayer.

PRACTICE:
HOSPITALITY

If you are tempted to skip this practice because you are afraid that you will have to throw a party at your home, fear not. This practice is about something else. The practice of hospitality is to be a safe person and/or to create a safe space to allow a friend or stranger to enter into the welcoming presence of Christ. This can happen in your home, at school, at work, at soccer practice, or anywhere that Christ is present. Take time to reflect on the questions below and write the answers in your journal. If you are so inclined, choose one of the next steps below to engage in the practice of hospitality.

Think of the most welcoming person or people in your life. What is it that makes them so welcoming?

Think about a time that you were welcomed in a way that stirred your heart. What was special about this time that stirred you so deeply?

Think about a time where you were NOT welcomed and how it felt. Are there other situations where others may find themselves feeling the same way that you did? How can you show hospitality in those situations?

Does the practice of hospitality raise any negative fears inside you such as fear or avoidance? Take these feelings to the Lord and see what He would say about them.

NEXT STEPS
If you are so inclined, try one or more of these in the next few days.

In every conversation that you have today, pay the other person a compliment. In your own heart, let this compliment be a way that praises God for a blessing He has bestowed on someone else.

Host a “Leftover Party” at your house. Encourage everyone to bring a few of their (hopefully good) leftovers for a potluck dinner.

Think of someone in your neighborhood or office that to talk to a lot, but have never eaten with. Invite them out to lunch and enjoy getting to know them better.

If you are at a gathering such as church, a party, or other social event, ask the Lord to show you someone who is craving hospitality (even if their face does not show it). Introduce yourself to them and get to know them.

When you greet others, greet them as if they are a big deal. To God, they are.

Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your practice.

Closing: Father, transform my heart in this ordinary time.

If you are unsure how to begin listening for God’s voice and leading in your life, listen to this message by Larry Green, given at the Parish. Feel free to reach out to us at info@parishanglican.org for more information or help with these practices.