Week Three: Making Room for Rest + Renewal

Silence

Be still and attentive to God’s presence within and all around you

Exodus 33:9, 11, 14 (NRSV)

When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the LORD would speak with Moses. Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. [The LORD] said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Meditation

Close your eyes. Breathe deeply of God’s Spirit and grace.

A rhythm of rest and renewal was woven into the fabric of creation. Yet as humans began to center themselves, that rhythm became disordered. Still, God's invitation and call to rest and renewal persists throughout scripture. As Moses led in a deeply uncertain wilderness time, the LORD promised presence and rest.

Perhaps one reason Psalm 23 is so beloved is because it claims the reality of God's renewing and restoring ways that come only as we make room for respite from our labors:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.

Reflection

+ What will give your body, mind, and spirit rest and renewal in these days?

+ How will you receive the gift of God's offered rest?

Silence

Breathe deeply of God’s Spirit and grace.

A Prayer for You as a Ministry Leader

Hold your hands or arms in a posture of receiving.

Gracious Lord Jesus, pour out your Spirit on your servant, (name). Guide them/me to lie down in green pastures. Lead them/me beside still waters. Restore their/my soul. Remind them/me of your faithful presence and gift of rest in these days. In rest and renewal, help them/me to experience delight and gratitude in you. Amen.

Blessing

In darkness and in light, you are held, you are loved, you are enough. Amen.

Weekly Themes

Week 1: Letting Go to Make Room
Week 2: Making Room for the Unexpected
Week 3: Making Room for Rest and Renewal (see above)
Week 4: Making Room for What You Need Now

Week 5: Making Room for Redeeming Grace
Week 6: Making Room for Intention
Week 7: Making Room to Let Your Light Shine

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