Sabbath Practice Week 3
Delight
Previous generations often thought of the Sabbath as a somber, serious day full of religious duty and legalistic rules. Today, many people think of it as a day to chill, relax, or sleep. Both generations miss the essential truth – the Sabbath is designed by God as a day to give yourself fully to delight in God’s world, in your life in it, and ultimately in 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 2)
Rule of Life Podcast
Sabbath Practice Guide
Download the practice guide here
Week 3 Practice - Pleasure Stacking
Make a list of activities that cause you delight and joy, and plan to do one to three of them on your Sabbath.
Here are a few ideas:
Have a Sabbath feast with friends or family
Open a good bottle of wine.
Have a dance party.
Play music.
Get coffee with your best friend.
Take a walk.
Nap.
Eat delicious food.
Do your nails or favorite self-care activity.
Go fishing or surfing or swimming.
Be in nature.
Watch the sun rise or set.
Make a fire.
Read fiction or poetry.
Go to an art museum.
Go on a picnic in a beautiful park.
Play a game.
Call a friend or family member who lives far away
Be as creative and thoughtful as you can.
Week 3 Reflection Questions
Before your next time together with the group for Week 4, 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?
