Summer Sabbath Practices – 7.19.2018

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

CENTERING:

Commit your way to the Lord;
Trust in Him, and He will act.

Psalm 37:5

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:
MEDITATION

Meditation is a way of resting in the Word. We show up, and we depend on the Holy Spirit to act in His time. Know that when you spend time soaking in the Word, the Lord is at work in your heart and mind, even if you don’t immediately see or feel it. There’s no “goal” with Scripture meditation—you just rest in it.

Put yourself in a quiet place, as free from distraction as possible, and allow at least 20 minutes for this practice.

Begin by resting in silence. If your mind is racing, imagine putting each of your thoughts away for dealing with them later. Wait as long as it takes for you to feel your mind become still. When you’re ready, thank God for bringing you here, and invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your reading of Scripture.

Read this passage slowly:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2

Let the words soak into your mind. Do not rush. You don’t even have to read the whole passage. If the Lord draws your attention to a word or phrase, let it stay there. Welcome whatever He gives you. Read the words several times, always slowly and prayerfully.

When you sense your meditation is complete for now, thank God for His work through the Word. Ask Him to keep these words in your mind throughout the rest of the day, and to continue His activity in your heart and mind.

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.