Session 5: Longing for Rest

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Prepare:

As we begin our prayer today, turn your eyes toward some small part of creation - perhaps the view of the sky through the window, a small plant or rock in your home, or even the fruit in your kitchen. You might listen for the call of a bird or the song of the wind. Or you might consider your own body - fearfully and wonderfully made.

St. Hildegard von Bingen described the vital creative power of God as “viriditas,” literally a constant greening force. That same creative power is at work all around you and within you. Take a moment to welcome the presence of this God whose love is expressed in creativity.

2:44

Introduction of Scripture:

Today we will hear deeply comforting words from Jesus, offering us rest in Matthew’s gospel. Let’s listen together.

Matthew 11:28-30

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

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Pondering the Scripture:

Jesus’ consoling words to us echo many messages in the Hebrew Scriptures in which God offers tender compassion to God’s people, promising them rest, comfort, and restoration from sorrow and exhaustion. Imagine that Jesus is speaking these words directly to you today. How do you feel, hearing his voice?

The yoke Jesus mentions is a piece of wood designed to secure two animals together as they pull a heavy load. Implied in his statement is this: you do not bear this yoke alone. Jesus walks always alongside you, and at any moment, you may turn your head and be assured of his presence. Take a few moments to breathe deeply of this accompaniment.

The Greek word for “easy” that Jesus uses to describe his yoke has many meanings, not only easy, but also kind, good, gracious. God’s desire is not to load your shoulders with a burdensome chore, but to invite you into a shared life with the Trinity, one that renews and restores you each day.

7:33

Talk to God:

Take some time to identify the areas in your life in which you feel the most weary, the most in need of rest. Imagine that your life is a room, and that you are opening the door to allow God to enter in with you, to see all that you are and all that you carry. Stay here for a moment, being fully present with all the details of your life, in the company of Divine Love.

As you show God around this room, stop to consider anything that you would like to share with a member of the Trinity. Can you envision the burdens of your life as objects, objects that you might feel drawn to place in the hands of God? As you place each object in your hand, feel its weight, and then feel the warm hands of God encircling yours, carrying this heavy burden with you.

As you dwell in this place, take a moment to listen to anything you feel the Holy Spirit may be speaking to you here, within the room of your life.

When you are ready to move forward from this moment, close the door gently, and offer your gratitude for the rest and compassion God gives us so freely. As you step forward into your day, carry this compassion with you, and consider how you might share it, perhaps with someone in your life who is also weary and in need of a listening ear or a tender embrace.

15:30

Closing Prayer:

You have given all to me

To you, Lord, I return it

Everything is Yours, do with what You will

Give me only Your love and Your grace

That is enough for me.

Amen.