Praying: The Practice of Sabbath
Brett Opalinski • June 18, 2021
A Sabbath poem from Mary Oliver:
Praying
It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
( Mary Oliver, Devotions )
5 Suggestions for practicing Sabbath:
- Sit in a room by yourself for fifteen minutes-no phones, no books. Be silent. Pray. When you become restless, sue the alphabet to name the people, circumstances, and blessings for which you are thankful (think big and small)
- Do something creative: weave, knit, paint, write, scrapbook, draw, make music, or color.
- Be silent in nature. Listen for God.
- Walk a path, trail, or labyrinth. Let the Spirit speak to you in ways that don't require words.
- Do laundry mindfully. Give God thanks for each article of clothing, for water, for electricity, and for modern machinery.
(suggestions from: J. Dana Trent, For Sabbath's Sake: Embracing Your Need for Rest, Worship, and Community)
Together we are the hands and feet of Jesus,
Brett
