Week: Learning
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
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 Max
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
As we finish our time together, let’s say this week’s memory verse one last time.
Read by Max
Psalm 25:5
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Psalm 25:5 (NCV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
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.
Joy lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and her dog. She works for Bridgetown Church where she leads kids as they grow, learn, and have lots of fun. Joy loves gardening, summer camp, eating ice cream, and reading her favourite books, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Max is 9 years old and lives in Melbourne, Australia with his older brother and mum and dad. He often rides his bike to school and enjoys being creative by drawing or building with Lego. Max is also learning how to play the electric guitar and loves turning it up loud!