Welcome to Lectio for Families. This week we’ve been reflecting on what the writers of the letters in the New Testament have to say about the practice of prayer. Today is our Sabbath, and so we’re taking a break from our regular P.R.A.Y. format 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, when God rested and enjoyed everything that was made.

Pause

We start 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

Sabbath Psalm

Let’s listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit might want to say to us from today’s Bible reading.

Read by Eli
Psalm 100:1-5
Shout to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with joy;
come before him with singing.
Know that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we belong to him;
we are his people, the sheep he tends.
Come into his city with songs of thanksgiving
and into his courtyards with songs of praise.
Thank him and praise his name.
The Lord is good. His love is forever,
and his loyalty goes on and on.
Psalm 100:1-5 (NCV)

What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible reading?

(Optional) Tell each other (grey button)

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and tell each other

Ask

ASK Prayers

The Sabbath isn’t simply a day to rest, but a day to remember… to remember who God is, and who we are. This Psalm, which was probably written by King David, encourages us to remember…

…that God made us and we belong to him.

…that we are God’s people and he cares for us.

…and that God is good; his love and loyalty go on forever.

Pause

Thank You, Father God, for loving us with all Your heart, all Your soul and all Your mind. Help us to love You in prayer – with our time and attention. And help us to love You creatively – with our gifts and abilities.

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and pray

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving us so much that You gave Your life for us, to make everything right again. Help us to love others with hospitality – by opening our hearts and welcoming others. And help us to love others with justice – by showing compassion and kindness.

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and pray

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for loving us, for filling us with Your power, for leading and guiding us. Help us to love the world through learning – with curiosity and wonder. And help us to love the world through mission – sharing the good news of Jesus wherever we are, and wherever we go.

• OPTIONAL: PAUSE the audio player now and pray

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.