Episode 30: A Prayer for Connection this Sabbath

You’re listening to episode 30 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, as the Sabbath approaches, help us to set aside the busy-ness of being a couple. The busy-ness of being a couple with a family, a home, jobs… help us to set that aside in the space of Sabbath.

Help us to recognize that there is no demand on our time for the next 24 hours. That there is no expectation of productivity. Help us to understand that we get to simply be with our husband, to simply enjoy each other’s presence. Help us to prioritize that connection, help us to emphasize it, to give space to it.

Help us to rest not only as individuals connecting to you, but help us to rest as a couple resting with you. And in resting together, may we draw closer to one another as we draw closer to you.

Lord help us to not take lightly that opportunity it is to just simply be with our husband. To just hang out with him to just enjoy his company. Lord help us to reclaim that playfulness of our early days of dating, when there were such joy in simply being together, help us to reclaim that.

Help us to not be afraid of moments that go deeper, but also let us not dismiss the importance of the surface level too. The silliness, the goofiness, help us realize there is connection in that as well.

And so Lord, as we enter into the Sabbath, may we not miss this piece of connection that is woven into the fabric of it.

May we welcome it and the opportunity it brings for us to connect with the one that you gave us to walk this road of life with.

May this time bless our relationship.

May this time deepen it.

May this time bring a joy into that relationship.

Help us to learn to rest together in your love, your provision, and your faithfulness.