In keeping with our Lifesprings International annual tradition of celebrating a month of Sabbath rest, we invite you to join us for the month of August (which we call Breather Month) to intentionally set aside times of rest with God. We will take a break from our regular rhythms of meetings and gatherings and set aside time to be with God, perhaps exploring practicing spiritual disciplines, taking time for a nature walk, to enjoy God’s creation, enjoying extended time of listening prayer, and scripture meditation, focusing on resting with God. Our writers reflections will describe personal testimony of sabbath rest based on a scripture of their choosing. We invite you to join us in first meditating and digesting this passage slowly using lectio divina and then read the reflection.
Listen:
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (Psalm 116:7)
Reflect:
Rest and I have never had a good relationship. Ever since I was a little girl I never slept very much. I never got the best baby or toddler star! But I just turned 45 years old and as I am aging I am learning how crucial rest is. I certainly need more sleep, but as I prepared for Breather Month I reflected on this question: What do I need rest from? Here are some of my honest answers: I need rest from worrying – for soooo many people and details. I need rest from protecting. I need rest from proving. I need rest from trying to not disappoint. I need rest from not being present, simply present in that very moment. My mind always runs ahead and it is hard to make it stop…that’s what I need rest from – from running, from going fast to the next thing (even if the next thing is a good thing).
I love this invitation that I got at the beginning of the month: return to rest, my soul. But how can I do that? How can I really do that? By taking notice (and notes) of God’s blessings in my life. This is starting to change my whole perspective! But maybe this season is especially hard for you, so it is hard to see blessings and goodness – my dear friend, our God already knows that, and he keeps his arms wide open for you. Wherever this month finds you, he wants you to return to Him, where you can find real rest for your soul, no matter the season you are in.
Prayer of Response:
My Good Father, you keep your arms wide open for me, thank you! I am returning to you for fresh rest from …(insert your list here). Amen
Questions to Ponder:
- What do I need rest from?
- Where can I see God’s goodness in my life – in my past and in my present?
- What is the state of my soul – for real – this month?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): I receive Your rest for me
Exhale (Breathe out): Jesus
(Repeat)
—Submitted by: Diana Anton
Diana lives in Bucharest, Romania and serves as the Executive Director of Lifesprings International and her passion is to see women worldwide connected, encouraged and prepared to keep bringing the love of Jesus Christ to our communities.
She loves long walks (on the beach are even better!) with her little family and loves to read children’s books. You can find her on instagram at life.on.farm.road or on her blog at www.lifeonfarmroad.com.