A Prayer For Rest

A prayer for Rest

When the treadmill of life leaves me exhausted

O Lord,

My world of perpetual motion creates a life of anxiety and stress. I sometimes actually take pride in telling others how busy I am, and I feel guilty if I stop to relax. But you did not intend for people to live in a state of frenzied activity. From your own example when you worked to create the earth, it is clear that you want us to have refreshment for body and soul. Why would the omnipotent God of the universe rest after doing the work of creation? Surely it wasn’t because you, the Almighty, were tired! The answer I see, O God, is that you, in ceasing from your work, proclaimed rest to be holy. You created us in such a way that we would need to stop our work to care for our physical and spiritual needs. I know work is good and brings so many benefits to my life. But I also know you want my work to be balanced with regular rest and attention to my physical and spiritual health. Otherwise, I will lack energy and miss precious moments of quiet time with you. Lord, teach me how to rest.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:1-3