Today’s Reflection
Communal praise and devotion is not about hypocrisy—acting one way on Sunday and living another way Monday through Saturday; it’s about reinforcement and reminders. Holy spaces offer opportunities to be focused on devotion—acknowledging the Divine, giving thanks, confessing our shortcomings, and turning to God—in a way that shapes us the rest of the week. This time spent in communal worship is like exercising: It strengthens us and makes us accountable to God and to others. In worship, we gain gospel muscle memory for the week.
—J. Dana Trent, For Sabbath’s Sake: Embracing Your Need for Rest, Worship, and Community (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
How does communal worship strengthen you? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labors as God did from his.
—Hebrews 4:9-10 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
O God, our Creator and Redeemer, help me to realize my need for sabbath time in my busy life. Please give me a hunger for sabbath time so I can spend more time with you, my family, and my faith community. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
SABBATH: An Ancient Practice Meets the Modern World is a new two-hour documentary that explores the history of one of the world’s most important spiritual practices and its timeless relevance for a stressed-out, modern world. This week’s featured author, J. Dana Trent, is one of the featured commentators in the film. Learn more at www.journeyfilms.com.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Trinity Sunday
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Meeting with like minded people and learning from them.
Wow, no one posted yesterday. There once were so many posters. Not a good day yesterday with h and today starting out not so great either.
There is something very moving to praise, in unity, our great God. This is one of the reasons Sunday church attendance is so important to me…communal praise and worship. It moves me closer to Heaven. It seeps into the gaps created by the prior week, strengthening me for the week ahead.
Tennis last night was good – got to play with a partner I very much enjoy. We had great success last year in the post season after my partner hurt her knee. She played very well last night and we won. She golfs as well and is going to join dad and I in a few weeks for a round.
My air conditioner is on the struggle bus a bit. It has been good for 24 years, so I can’t complain. Was fortunate to get an appointment after school today.
Exams are graded, grades turned in, classroom mini fridge thawing for the summer. I would like to think my last deposit has been made in the treasurer’s office for this fiscal year – but wouldn’t be surprised if there is last minute stuff tomorrow morning following our staff meeting. Hard to believe this year is in the books. My classroom has things stored away and it is a good feeling.
Worship , fellowship, and rest bring God near. Worship with fellow believers helps me feel strong. The Holy Spirit prepares me for this blessed time. I feel refreshed and strong.
I got my orders in for my business. Busy day tomorrow. Completed paperwork to turn in for part-time therapist position. If I get it, I’ll continue my business and work it on off-days. Prayers are much appreciated. David starts out-patient PT next week. He is very excited. Our church via having a reception for graduates Sunday, so I’ll be shopping for Ingredients for the dishes I want to make. In 2 weeks, missionaries from Japan will be speaking. Very much looking forward to that.
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