Psalm 62:
5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
   my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
   he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Reflection:
In our work-weary culture, true rest is hard to find.  Too often we can make our life with Jesus reflect the whirlwind around us.  We try to do good, be better, and strive to be righteous.  It is not that we shouldn’t do things with God in mind, it’s just that we need to remember our God is the author of Sabbath – he is the source of our rest.  There are all sorts of prayer, even prayer in the midst of physical labour, but we will be worse for wear if we turn all prayer into work.  Sometimes we need to simply sit with God.  Intimacy with God is a two-way conversation, we need to spend time listening.

Seeking God doesn’t need to be a treasure hunt or grueling ordeal – it can be a simple as turning off our devices, dimming the lights, and soaking in the reality of who God is.  Do you find yourself running to and fro like a chicken with its head cut off?  Rest in God.  Does your prayer life look like an encyclopedia list of demands?  Rest in God.

Hopefully, you had some time to rest and relax during the holiday, although it can sometimes be more busy than not.  Let’s take some time this year to make resting in God a natural part of our lives.  Everyone needs rest or we will crash.  This is true in our spiritual lives as well.  God is waiting for you, spend some time resting in his Presence.

Prayer Exercise:

Different people find different things restful, be attentive to what works for you.  Try putting 30min aside today to do one of the following:

a) Turn down the lights, turn off all devices, and put on some quiet instrumentals.  Light a candle if you like.  Sit in silent solitude in a quiet place you won’t be interrupted.  If you find it difficult at times, repeat and meditate upon the phrase: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God.”

b) Take a 30min prayer walk in a quiet place in Nature.  Pay attention to your breathing and things that bring a sense of stillness and peace.  Thank God for his gift of rest as you do so, and ask Him to give you rest in him.
PRAYER GATHERING
Soaking Night: Resting in God’s Love.  7:00-9:00pm at FV
A time of contemplation and rest that allows us to express our love to God and experience His Love. We come together to be silent before God and seek Him as we rest in the Presence of the Holy Spirit.
Come when you can, leave when you must.