Welcome to Lectio for Families. This week we’ve been exploring ways that we can listen to God, using themes from Pete Greig’s book, ‘How To Hear God – a simple guide for normal people’. However, today is the Sabbath, so we’re taking a break from our regular P.R.A.Y. pattern to pray a little differently.

The Bible tells the story of God making the Universe and everything in it in six days. Every Sunday, we remember the Sabbath, the seventh day, when God rested and enjoyed everything that was made.

Pause

As usual, we begin by pausing and taking a deep breath.
In and out.
In and out.
We remember that God is here, and so together we prepare ourselves to be with God.

Pause

Reflect

Bible Reading

On Sabbath days, as we rest, we enjoy one another and the world around us. We make space for God’s presence and listen for God’s voice too. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John says that God waits to be welcomed into our hearts and our homes.

Read by Vera Lynn
Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me.
Revelation 3:20 (NCV)

Pause

Ask

ASK Prayers

Father God, we open the door of our hearts and we welcome You.
We listen for Your voice in the world You have created. Speak to us as we see sunsets and as we stare at skylines. Speak to us as we hear the noise of roads and rivers. Speak, Father God, we’re listening.

• OPTIONAL: Pause the audio player now and Pray

Lord Jesus, we open the door of our hearts and we welcome You.
We listen for Your voice in other people, every one of them made in Your image. Speak to us as we walk and talk with our friends, as we listen to songs and as we watch movies. Speak, Lord Jesus, we’re listening.

• OPTIONAL: Pause the audio player now and Pray

Holy Spirit, we open the door of our hearts and we welcome You.
We listen for Your voice in the Bible, in the Word You have inspired. Bring it to life as we read it and as we hear it. And speak to us through dreams and pictures too. Speak, Holy Spirit, we’re listening.

• OPTIONAL: Pause the audio player now and Pray

Now, let’s press pause and talk about our Sabbath question which is: As our week comes to an end, what was good about it – what are we thankful for? It could be something big or small.

• PAUSE the audio player now

Yes

Memory Verse

As we finish our time together, let’s say this week’s memory verse one last time:

God, help us to remember Your Word.

Sabbath Blessing

May this Sabbath bring rest and joy to our hearts and our homes.
May today be a little less go, go, go, and a little more slow… slow… slow…
May we care less about things, and care more for people.
As we relax in God’s love, may we take time to listen and remember that we are all God’s children.