Seeking Sabbath – March 6

Today’s Readings: Psalm 23, 27, Jer. 5:20-31; Rom. 3:19-31; John 7:1-13

Reading Psalm 23 always brings me comfort. My mom worked with me over and over to commit it to memory. I would hold the white leatherbound Bible that had been hers as a child, leafing through the thin, crinkly pages and reciting the phrases: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want…” I could imagine the scene down by the quiet, trickling stream, with shady trees and green soft grass where the Good Shepherd would restore my soul.

Yesterday, I found comfort and stillness in the Lord’s Prayer. Looking back, I realize that I prayed that specific prayer more than seven times: in the Daily Office at morning and noon, at the end of Bible study on Zoom, during a funeral and at the graveside… and this list omits the multiple times I sang along with a recording of Mahalia Jackson’s stirring, live rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer” that closed out a jazz festival in 1958.

In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches his followers to use simple, direct words to pray to God, as God already knows what we need before we ask (v. 8). Each time I revisited this ancient prayer, I followed the pathway in my memory to speak or sing. Different concerns were upon my heart each time, and I noticed that a different word stood out. Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. On earth as it is in heaven. Daily bread. Forever. Amen. In praying, I felt reconnected to God. I stayed grounded in the moment.

How might the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, or lingering on the words of Psalm 23, bring you to a place of deeper calm this day? After all, today is Saturday – a day of rest for many of us. Our Jewish siblings honor today as Sabbath. Embrace that rhythm today. Fear no evil, for God is with you. Find rest for your soul in the comfort of God’s arms.  You will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What is the first piece of scripture you memorized?

What scripture brings you comfort? Restores your soul? Encourages you to confront a hard situation?

Daily Challenge 

Write the Lord’s Prayer on a piece of paper. Circle the words that mean the most to you today. Pray about where God is calling you to listen, learn, and change. Then, take four minutes to listen to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s “The Lord’s Prayer”.