Episode 15: A Prayer for After the Holidays

You’re listening to episode 15 of the simply Sabbath podcast.

When we arrive at the end of the workweek, there is a beautiful opportunity to welcome the Sabbath and the rest it brings for ourselves and our family. And while it is a beautiful opportunity, it does not come by without intention. I see you and the work you do to usher in this day of rest. You make sure the home is clean, the meals are prepped, and the activities you’ll do together as a family planned. You work with purpose the other six days in anticipation of the seventh.

Before you begin your rhythm of Sabbath welcome, the next few minutes are for you. It is an acknowledgement of the good and loving work you are doing in the various roles you have the responsibility to steward throughout the week. It is a reminder that you are not alone in this desire to live counter culturally. And it is an encouragement to continue seeking to rest with Jesus. So stop what you’re doing. Close your eyes and listen to this, my prayer of blessing over you.

Lord Jesus. It’s always a little rough getting back into the swing of things after the holidays. School routines are back in play, work demands have piled up, and there’s the lingering question: how long should I leave up the Christmas tree?

It can feel less like moving through the week and more like the week is moving through us. It doesn’t take much for our bodies and our souls to grow accustomed to the slower pace, the joyful celebration, and the times of rest and play. But it feels like a fight to go back to the structure and answering to others for your time.

Probably because it wasn’t supposed to be this way, but that is neither here or there now in the sin-fractured world.

Jesus, for the mom who feels like she has just barely making it across the finish line of her work week, would you meet her there? Would you remind her that she is loved and cared for?

Would you embrace her with compassion and strength? Pick her up at that finish line and walk her into the recovery of Sabbath.

Help her to protect this time of rest. So she can reset, release, and recharge, knowing a new workweek is just on the other side of Sunday.

Give her what she needs the Sabbath so she is reminded that you are with her and you will never leave. Fill her with joyful anticipation of the upcoming workweek. May she greet Monday out of the steadiness that comes from resting with you. Amen.