Prayer to Welcome the Sabbath

Lord of Creation,

create in us a new rhythm of life

composed of hours that sustain rather than stress,

of days that deliver rather than destroy,

of time that tickles rather than tackles.

Lord of Liberation,

by the rhythm of Your Truth, set us free

from the bondage and baggage that breaks us,

from the Pharaohs and fellows that fail us,

from the plans and pursuits that prey upon us.

Lord of Resurrection,

may we be raised into the rhythm of Your new life,

dead to deceitful calendars,

dead to fleeting friend requests,

dead to the empty peace of our accomplishments.

To our packed-full planners, we bid, “Peace!”

To our over-caffeinated consciences, say, “Cease!”

To our suffocating selves, grant release.

Drowning in a sea of deadlines and death chimes,

we rest in you, our lifeline.

By your ever-restful grace,

allow us to enter Your Sabbath-rest

as your Sabbath-rest enters into us.

In the name of our Creator,

our Liberator,

our Resurrection and Life,

we pray.

Amen.

From Common Prayer

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