Welcome to Lectio for Families. Throughout this week, we’ve been focusing on Esther, whose life was shaped by justice. But today is our Sabbath day, 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 Kate
Psalm 143:5-8
I remember what happened long ago;
I consider everything you have done.
I think about all you have made.
I lift my hands to you in prayer.
As a dry land needs rain, I thirst for you.
Lord, answer me quickly,
because I am getting weak.
Don’t turn away from me,
or I will be like those who are dead.
Tell me in the morning about your love,
because I trust you.
Show me what I should do,
because my prayers go up to you.
Psalm 143:5-8, (NCV)

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

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

This Psalm was written by King David. What a beautiful picture he paints for us with his words… ‘As a dry land needs rain, I thirst for you’.

Sabbath is like a good watering for our souls after a long and sometimes dry week. It’s a day to stop and remember everything God has done, to reflect on what we have learnt and to give thanks for God’s love and guidance.

Pause

Ask

ASK Prayers

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 tell each other

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 tell each other

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 tell each other

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.