Monk in the World: Sabbath 6 – Questions for Reflection and Closing Blessing

Dearest monks, artists, and pilgrims,

During this Jubilee year of sabbatical we are revisiting our Monk Manifesto by moving slowly through the Monk in the World retreat materials together every Sunday. Each week will offer new reflections on the theme and every six weeks will introduce a new principle.

Principle 6: I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular practice of Sabbath and resist a culture of busyness that measures my worth by what I do.

This week I invite you to ponder the following questions as guides for your Sabbath practice.

What happens when you allow yourself to receive the full grace of Sabbath rest?

What longings are kindled in this space of stillness?

Closing Blessing from Christine

God of holy rest,

on the seventh day you paused,

laying down the work of creation

and entered into sacred stillness.

Kindle in me the strength to say no

to a world of perpetual busyness.

Sustain in me the desire to simply be.

Let my life be a loving witness to

a world of restoration and renewal,

joy and laughter.

With great and growing love,

Christine

Christine Valters Paintner, PhD REACE

Photo © Christine Valters Paintner