Rest is good. We’re taking a break from producing content over the summer. Enjoy this previously produced pattern and meditation.
With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:3) O Lord, my poverty is the place where you meet me with grace. My spirit finds all I need in you. Amen.
Word: Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Meditation
I have heard it said that peace is hard to achieve and even harder to maintain. Achieving peace is costly and often comes about only after a conflict. And maintaining it is even harder. Constantly monitoring and managing the various factions, whether it’s nations or co-workers or family. Keeping the peace is hard work.
But what if there was another way? Isaiah foretells of a Prince of Peace whose reign of peace will go on and on and on. Who will rule with both justice and righteousness forever. Who himself will shoulder the burden of establishing and maintaining the peace. It is a peace that is given to you rather than forged by you.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Through his death and resurrection he has forged a lasting peace between you and God. Not a peace that you have to achieve or maintain. But a peace that he gives to you as a gift. On this Sabbath day, rest in the peace of Jesus.
Prayer for Rest
· For physical, mental, and emotional health.
· For times of joy, delight, and leisure.
· For a Sabbath day free from work, tasks, and stress.
· For a holy time of worship.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, I am tired. I am tired of trying to hold it all together. Tired of the conflict with those around me. Tired of trying to keep the peace. But you are the Prince of Peace. May I rest in the peace you give. Amen.