Sabbath Prayer

Now I pause.
Now I remember.
Bless this Sabbath, O God.
This day, I release all that is unfinished.
I stop counting.
I cease being useful.
I allow the hurry of the world to fall away.
I refuse to be seduced by the urgency of my responsibilities.
I retreat from the illusion of my indispensability.
I turn away from any sense of my own importance
or need for others’ approval.
I re-turn to You, Giver of All Good.
I release the results of my efforts into Your care.
You remind me, my labor has been sufficient for now,
enough in your sight.
This Sabbath, I trust that it’s not my hand
but your Spirit and Grace that grows the seeds,
blooms the flowers and ripens the fruit.
I let things unfold without my influence.
I let things be; I let myself be, not do.
I honor what grows in time—plants, people, seasons,
lasting changes.
I rely on all the forces of Good, Light and Love
that are already at work healing the world.
I exhale, let go and make room for what you would have me be and do.
This Sabbath, I follow the Life.
I nurture atttentiveness to your Newness always bursting through.
I seek awareness of your Presence in all of what this day offers.
I listen for your Wisdom and Guidance.
I allow my body to be soothed by the abundant nourishment of the earth and sky, movement and music.
I open myself to wonder and delight.
I play.
I find beauty.
I walk in gratitude.
I touch your Holy Joy.
And you said, “It is good.”