Summer Sabbath Practices – 7.5.2018

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

CENTERING:

O Lord, I am not proud;
I have no haughty looks.

I do not occupy myself with great matters,
or with things that are too hard for me.

But I still my soul and make it quiet,
like a child upon its mother’s breast;
my soul is quieted within me.

O Israel, wait upon the Lord,
from this time forth for evermore.

Psalm 131

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:
RECEIVING GOD’S LOVE

The love of God. We hear about it. We read about it. We write about it. We sing about it. How often do we simply receive it?

Think of someone who you love. Would it bring you joy if they simply positioned themselves to receive the love that you had for them? Of course it would! Today we bring God joy by simply receiving His love for us.

Get quiet and breathe deeply.

Ask the Spirit to guide you in His truth during this practice.

Imagine yourself with Jesus in a place that both of you enjoy. It could be on a mountain top. It could be a coffee shop. Anywhere that the two of you are content to be together.

Now picture in your mind that Jesus turns to you and speaks the words below. As you read these words, know that Jesus speaks them over you. Don’t miss that. Jesus speaks these words over you.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Read this one more time. In your mind’s eye, look at Jesus’ face as He speaks these words. What do you see? What stands out?

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.