Sabbath Day
Opening Prayer
I speak to you.
Be
still and Know That I am God.
I spoke to you at your
first
thought.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I spoke to you at your
first
song.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I speak to you through the
grass of the meadows.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I speak to you through the
calm of the morning.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I speak to you through the
peace of the evening.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I will speak to you when
you
are alone
Be still and Know That I am God.
I will speak to you at the
end of time.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I will speak to you
throughout Eternity.
Be still and Know That I am God.
I speak to you.
Be
still and Know That I am God.
• When we don't take a break from our work, we burn out and can no longer do God's work in the world.
• We've turned the sabbath into a burden. It has become something we have to do rather than get to do.
• God intends a real rest for us, not the same going and doing that fills the rest of our days.
• The sabbath is kept holy when we receive the gift of rest from our work and from our bondage to the world.
• God wants to give you a Word that sets you free, and has set aside the sabbath so that you can hear it.
• God's free promise of forgiveness in Jesus is the true and final sabbath, from which all others draw their meaning.
Bible Connection: A Rest and Mercy Kind of Thing
• Turn to Matthew 12:1-14, and read. What do Jesus and the disciples do "wrong"? Because they are very literal and strict in their understanding of the law, the Pharisees are offended by Jesus. How does Jesus challenge their interpretation of the third Commandment? What is Jesus' interpretation (verse 12)? What do you think "I desire mercy and not sacrifice" means? Can this passage be interpreted in a way Jesus may not have intended?
• Then turn to Leviticus 25:1-12, and read. Who or what does God say needs rest in this passage? How often should the land receive rest? Is this a good idea? Why is it important for the land to rest? What else is happening in this passage? How often does this happen? Why should this happen?
• Talk about a time when you felt very tired and worn out.
• Talk about a time when you felt very rested and energized.
• When and where do you feel closest to God?
• What does it mean to keep something holy?
• Open to Exodus 20:8-11, and read aloud. Who is expected to observe the Sabbath? Why such an extensive list? What is the rationale for the day of rest? Do you remember where the Israelites are coming from when they receive this commandment? Would they hear this as good news?
• Turn to Luke 13:10-17, and read. What is that rascal Jesus up to this time? How do the Pharisees respond? How does Jesus argue his case? This time, it's about more than doing good—Jesus casts his action in the language of liberation. Do you need rest (liberation) on the Sabbath? Does Jesus disagree with this commandment?
Rest and Play
• Where and when do you feel closest to God? Do you find closeness in community with others or in time alone? Is there a place or time that is the same for everyone in your family? Encourage each other to seek out a God time and space each day.
• Does your family have any sabbath practices? If so, what are their origins? (Family tradition? Accidental? Conscious family decision?) If not, discuss together what kind of sabbath practices you would like to begin. (Your answers to the first bulleted question are a good hint of where to start!)
Closing Questions
• Is time with God something that should be spent in private or in public? Alone or with others? Is it either/or or both/and?
• Are we faithful in fulfilling the call to provide a time of rest for all people? For animals? For the land? Why not?
• What will happen if we fail to provide rest for all of creation? What concrete steps can we take to change this—to start providing a time of rest?
Closing Ritual
L: Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
C: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
L: For I am gentle and humble in heart
C: And you will find rest for your souls.
L: Be still, and know that I am God,
(pause for a moment of silence)
L: and I will give you rest.
ALL: Amen
Closing Blessing
L: May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord walk with you in times of quiet prayer and reflection; may the Lord refresh you in body, mind, and spirit; and grant you peace. Amen