Sabbath Practice Week 1
Stop
Few things are as desperately needed today as the recovery of the ancient practice of Sabbathâa full day every week set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. Sabbath is radical and countercultural; yet at the same time, its raw power to open us up to transformation cannot be overemphasized. As with all the Practices, we donât sabbath because itâs good for us, (though it is), but because we are apprentices of Jesus, our Rabbi and Lord.
Below you will find steps to help you engage with this practice over the next four weeks, as well as resources for further exploration.
Ways to engage with the Sabbath Practice
First and foremost, this practice (and all practices) are meant to be done in community. If you haven't yet, find a small group of people that are commited to walking through this practice together.
Download the Sabbath Practice Guide. If you can, it is advised to print it out to reduce the distraction of our devices.
Gather with your group once a week to watch the Practicing the Way video found below. This will include questions for discussion, as well as a short teaching on that week's practice.
Step into each practice as much as you are able and feel comfortable to. This invitation is for everyone at all stages of life and faith.
Reflect on your experience of the practice using the reflection questions at the bottom of the guide and be prepared to share them the next time you gather with your group.
Recommended Reading
Sabbath by Dan Allender (Introduction and Chapter 1)
Rule of Life Podcast
Sabbath Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 1 Practice - Pick a time to Sabbath, and give it a try
There are three basic options:
The Christian Sabbath on Sunday, which is best for most of us since it's also our day of worship.
The traditional Sabbath from sundown on Friday night to the same time on Saturday.
The midweek Sabbath for those with non-traditional work schedules.
If an entire day is too much for you, that's fine. Start where you are. We recommend you set aside a three to four hour time period, either after church on Sunday, or on a weekend night. Yurn off your phone, and just stop.
Week 1 Reflection Questions
Before your next time together with the group for Week 2, take five minutes to journal out your answers to the following three questions about the practice:
Where did I feel Resistance?
Where did I feel Delight?
Where did I most experience God's nearness?
