Sabbath

LORD GOD, you set an example for us when you created all things in six days and rested from your work on the seventh. You instructed Moses and your people, “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD.”

When Jesus walked the earth, he filled this command with rich, fresh meaning. He taught us that he himself was Lord of the Sabbath. Creator and Master, you made the Sabbath to be a day of rest, a blessing of restoration and refreshment for our souls.

Lord, too often I have thought of this day of rest as an obligation, something I had to practice in order to be truly good. I mistakenly thought that by obeying this command I could somehow earn more favor with you. How wrong I have been. You have given us a day that honors you while renewing and strengthening us. Thank you, God, for this needed gift. Help us to observe it wisely.