Summer Sabbath Practices – 7.3.2018

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

CENTERING:

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening.

Psalm 92:2‬

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:
RULE FOR LIFE

If calling this a “rule” makes you squirm, feel free to refer to this practice as a “rhythm for life.” It’s about setting a pattern for our days that keeps God in the center when we are tempted to take that place ourselves. This rule (or rhythm) should be life-giving, not a weighty ought-to-do list. A rule for life is most helpful when it is both refreshing and realistic given our current roles and responsibilities.

Consider the rhythm of your life as it stands now. Is it regular and sustainable, or does it seem chaotic, like you never have time for anything? What changes would you like to see in your rhythm? What parts would you like to maintain?

What spiritual practices draw you toward God? Are there specific locations or times of day that you feel closest to Him? How can you place these into the rhythm of your days or weeks?

What takes your focus off God that you might need to adjust or eliminate from your life? How could this help you make space for a more healthy rhythm?

Summer is a unique time for many people, so the rule you put in place today may very well change in a few months. But give yourself time to become accustomed to it. Set a weekly reminder (or daily, if you prefer) to look at how you’ve applied your rule and how it is affecting your life and relationship with the Lord.

If you have a vacation planned this month, spend some time before you leave thinking about how you might apply a vacation-specific rule of life. Consider how your time away could be an extended Sabbath that would refresh and restore your Spirit for the next several months.

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

Closing: Jesus, 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.