Creation’s cadence is simple enough: Sabbath into work…work into Sabbath…and back again. Yet the beat of our divined whole and holy rhythm of ordinary life is not so easy to keep amid the cacophony of rhymes and siren’s song that seem to never cease. So, one last time, lets pray the rhythm into our hearts.
This week, as we pray again an adaption of Ruth Ann Schuringa’s prayer, let the exhortation of Hebrews 4 be invitation to be united in faith in our prayer and practice of whole and holy living.
Therefore, while the promise of entering God’s rest still stands, let us fear lest any of us should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to those first set free into new life, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they it did not meet with faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter God’s rest… (Hebrews 4:1-3)
Father, when is enough, enough?
When can we rest in knowing we have done enough?
Ever?
The endless striving and busyness are never done!
Good Shepherd, teach us how to rest.
Jesus, we need a different way forward.
We long for gentle rest, for sabbath,
for your presence of peace.
Abba Father, teach us to slow down.
Forgive us our pride,
our certainty that more is better,
our insistence that we are indispensable,
our striving for that which does not ultimately satisfy.
Good Shepherd, teach us how to rest.
Father, help us live into the gift of your beautiful, never-ending grace.
Holy Spirit, help us see that in you we are enough,
formed and fashioned in your good design for your good destiny.
Wonderful are your works; may our souls know it very well!
May our work be a beautiful, generous offering of love to you, Jesus.
May it spill over to the people and the world you made.
May we flourish in our work, because we are always resting in you.
Good Shepherd, teach us how to rest. Amen.