Sabbath Practice Week 2
Rest
In Session 02 we explore the second movement of Sabbath - to rest. The idea of rest sounds wonderful, but in reality, rest is a radical, countercultural act of resistance to the powers and principalities of a world at war with God and his kingdom of peace. To practice Sabbath is to draw a line in the sand against all external (and internal) forces that would encroach upon your apprenticeship to Jesus and formation into his image. It’s to say, “This far you shall go, but no further.” It is to defy some of the most powerful forces known to humanity as an act of non-cooperation done in love for community, for the poor, for the earth, and ultimately for God himself.
Below you will find steps to help you engage with this practice, 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 (Part 1)
Rule of Life Podcast
Sabbath Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 2 Practice - Before your next Sabbath, Prepare.
In the New Testament, the day before the Sabbath is called "the Preperation Day". And you really need a few hours, if not a day, to prepare. Sabbath rest will not just happen, it's too countercultural.
So this session's exercise is to set aside a little time and prepare. Here are a few recommendations:
Go grocery shopping and stock your pantry and fridge
Prep your meals
Clean or tidy your home
Run errands that need to be sorted before you can rest
Answer all texts and emails in order to power off your devices
Make plans to meet your family or community, or plan out some fun activities for play and delight.
You can do a little or a lot; it's all up to you.
Week 1 Reflection Questions
Before your next time together with the group for Week 3, 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?
