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: Exodus 20:2-3
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.
Meditation
I now have a permit driver in my house. She’s been practicing on roads and parking lots near you. And I’ve learned something: You can’t reach the brake pedal from the passenger seat. Truth be told, she’s a great driver. I have confidence in her. The one thing I really caution her about is distraction. Distracted drivers could be the most dangerous thing on the road. So we have both hands on the wheel. Our eyes are open and alert. And there is no texting or phone checking!
Jesus calls his followers to devotion in a world of distraction. What are the things that are distracting you most right now? Name them. Write them down.
Some of our distractions are clearly sinful and evil. But some are good things that are misplaced. Idolatry is when good things become the best. We are tempted to turn good things into ultimate things. But our hearts have room for only one God.
In a world of distraction, why should we devote ourselves to one God, and to this particular God? The first commandment calls us to have no other gods besides Yahweh. Always remember, that command is prefaced by the reason. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” He has claimed you. Brought you out of sin and death. No other God has done that. No other deserves our trust.
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
O Lord, you are my God. There is no other. Deliver me from the distractions of life that pull me from you. Help me to fear, love, and trust in you above all things. Amen.