Entering Into a Sabbatical

To the One who often slipped away to the wilderness,

We thank you that you already know, Jesus. You already know why we must step away. You already know why we must recede into rest and prayer. You already know why it is good for us to be pulled into refreshment.

This transition into rest, first and foremost, is a continued answer to your call. Your call to the unknown and unfamiliar. Your call to new joys and new challenges. Your call to pruning and growth. So we say "yes" and "thank you" to this blessing. We say "yes" to this transition and to the rigors of slipping away so we might see and know you all the more.

We pray for the new things that will meet us. Holy Spirit, till our hearts and minds so that the soil is ready for whatever you plant. Whatever new adventures and risks come to us, let them bring life and maturing flourishing. Reorder and shift what has become cluttered and unmanageable. Diminish the harmful noise. Remind us daily of our increasing hope as we look upon your works and ways. Test us. Refine us.

And, Precious Healer, know that we linger before you for the healing of wounds known and unknown. Whatever we are carrying into this transitional season, we lay them before you as an offering. Some of it is confession. Some of it is hurt. Some of it is brokenness and questions. There is also great joy and thanksgiving, a rich appreciation for the sustaining mercy and abundant grace only you can offer. All of it, we bring in humility and vulnerability... as much of our "whole self" as we can offer, we give to you.

We are your beloveds, and there is great comfort in knowing how you care for your daughters and sons. Thank you for your sustaining care. We can't wait to see what you do today!

Amen.