Sabbath Prayer

Occasionally we reach the end of a week, of a season, or a year and find ourselves overwhelmingly exhausted.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

This is not simply the exhaustion of the body, which sleep might restore, but the exhaustion of the soul.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

How hard to praise life's gifts when we are haunted by such incredible burden. How difficult to recognize joy or possibility, to experience contentment or purpose, to consider self-care a necessity rather than a luxury.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

At times like these sleep becomes an escape from such weariness, but not its cure. At times like these we continue to sleep while we are awake. We call this sleep depression, the physical, emotional and spiritual numbing that masks our pain and suffering at such great cost.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

To reach this state, whether by overwork, stress, fear, doubt or loss, is to also realize that an essential balance in our life has been lost. There is no quick fix to such spiritual dis-ease.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

In times such as these, let us pray for salvation, not for a superficial religiosity, but for the healing and wholeness that is our birthright and our destiny.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

Let us not surrender to despair, but to Life itself.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

Let us enter Sabbath time, that respite of prayer, meditation, and play that can restore our soul.
Be Still...Rest...Shalom.

Be still, that you might become mindful of your sorrow and your joy. Be still, that you might come to know the deepest longings of your heart. Be still that you might become open to the healing possibilities in you and around you.

Rest. Set your burdens aside that this Sabbath time might bring you deep refreshment.

Shalom. In stillness and rest may you come to know a peace that passes understanding.