Summer Sabbath Practices – 8.3.2018
BREATH PRAYER: FATHER, transform my heart in this ordinary time.
CENTERING:
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You will guide me by your counsel,
and afterwards receive me with glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
Though my flesh and my heart should waste away,
God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
Psalm 73:23-26
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:
SABBATH SUMMARY
As our Summer Sabbath draws to an end, it is good for us to pause and review our Sabbath to see where God has transformed our hearts during this ordinary time.
Get quiet, breathe deeply, and relax. Take a few moments to feel yourself in God’s presence and then ask for His guidance as you review your Summer Sabbath.
If you have been engaging in the Daily Practices during this time review each of your weekly summaries that you wrote in your journal for the month of July. Ask the Lord to show you any common threads of His presence and His guidance as you read the summaries. Make note of these in your journal.
Now imagine that you are watching a short 3-5 minute highlight video of your Summer Sabbath. If you need help putting together the highlight video in your mind’s eye, you may want to skim your journal entries from the month or look at your calendar to help jog your memory. As you watch the video in your mind, ask the Lord to show you where He was loving you and guiding you throughout the month. When He brings something to mind, write it in your journal.
Our breath prayer during the month was “Lord, transform my heart in this ordinary time.” If you feel that He transformed your heart during this time, give Him thanks and rest in His goodness. If you are not aware of any transformation that happened, ask the Lord to show you any seeds He has planted in you and to help you keep watch for the blooming of His transformative works in your life.
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.
