Welcome to Lectio for Families. This week, we’ve been exploring the justice of prayer in the book of Psalms. 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

As usual, 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

Bible Reading

Let’s listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit may want to say to us today from these verses from Psalm 143.

Read by Ruby
Psalm 143:1,5-6,8
Lord, hear my prayer;
listen to my cry for mercy.
Answer me
because you are loyal and good.
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.
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 143:1,5-6,8 (NCV)

What word or phrase stood out to us from these verses?

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

King David wrote this Psalm, and he paints a beautiful picture 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 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

Yes

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

• PAUSE the audio player now

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.