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The Village Church is all about REAL PEOPLE EXPERIENCING JESUS TOGETHER.

How To Prepare For The Sabbath: Intentional Rest...

Here are some practical ways to gear up for the Sabbath, especially for those trying it for the first time, along with suggestions for incorporating children, teenagers, and your spouse:

1. Prepare in Advance

  • Plan meals ahead: Cook or order food the day before so you're not busy in the kitchen during the Sabbath.

  • Finish tasks: Complete house chores and necessary errands the day before to avoid distractions.

  • Set boundaries: Let friends, family, or colleagues know you’ll be unplugging or unavailable during your Sabbath time.

  • Limit technology: Decide on a plan for reducing or eliminating the use of phones, TV, and other screens.

2. Set the Atmosphere

  • Create a peaceful space: Declutter the house or a specific room where you'll rest. Light candles, put on calming music, or set aside a comfy area for reading and prayer.

  • Choose meaningful activities: Decide on restful and worshipful activities like reading Scripture, walking outside, or playing board games with family.

  • Establish a start and end ritual: Begin your Sabbath with prayer or lighting a candle to mark the beginning and closing of the day in gratitude.

3. Start Small and Be Graceful

  • Start with a few hours: If a full day feels overwhelming, begin by dedicating half a day or a few hours to rest and reflection.

  • Be flexible: The goal is to rest and reconnect with God, not to follow a rigid schedule. If something doesn’t go as planned, adjust and try again next week.

4. Incorporating Your Spouse

  • Plan together: Discuss with your spouse what Sabbath can look like for both of you. Find shared activities you both enjoy, like reading Scripture, taking a walk, or spending time outdoors.

  • Enjoy a slow meal: Share a special meal together, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Use this time to connect without distractions.

  • Pray or reflect together: Use part of your Sabbath to pray or reflect on God’s goodness as a couple, perhaps reading through a Bible passage and discussing it.

5. Incorporating Children

How you might consider explaining it to your children:

Do you know how sometimes we play all day and have so much fun, but then we need a break? That’s what the Sabbath is! It’s a special day where we pause from doing all the things we usually do, like school or work, so we can have time with God and each other.

God gave us this day because He loves us and wants us to enjoy His beautiful world, spend time with our family, and feel peaceful inside. So, on the Sabbath, we can do things that make us happy and help us feel close to God—like reading, singing, talking to Him, and being together.

  • Explain the concept: Talk with younger kids about the idea of rest and why it’s important. Use simple language like, "We are taking a break today to spend time with God and enjoy each other."

  • Plan fun, restful activities: Engage in quiet activities like drawing, reading Bible stories, or going on a nature walk. Emphasize that the day is about slowing down and enjoying family time.

  • Let them help prepare: Involve them in the preparation process the day before—setting the table for a special meal, picking out their favorite book, or choosing a game to play.

  • Create a Sabbath box: Fill a box with toys, books, or games that only come out on the Sabbath, making it feel like a special and different day.

6. Incorporating Teenagers

How you might consider explaining it to your children:

The Sabbath is a day set aside to slow down and recharge. We live in a world where we’re always moving—school, sports, social media, and other activities can make life feel busy and exhausting. The Sabbath is God’s gift to us, a chance to pause and reset.

Think of it like putting your phone in ‘airplane mode’—you’re still connected to everything that matters, but you’re cutting out the distractions for a while. It’s a time to do the things that help you feel refreshed, like hanging out with family, enjoying nature, or reflecting on the week. It’s also about reconnecting with God, remembering that He’s the one who keeps everything going, not us.

Sabbath isn’t just about stopping work, it’s about enjoying life—spending time with the people you care about, doing things that bring you joy, and creating space to hear from God. When you unplug from the stress of the week, you get the chance to be present, recharge, and refocus. It’s a time to rest your mind, your body, and your soul.

  • Give them ownership: Let teens participate in planning how they will spend their Sabbath. Ask them what activities they find restful or fun, whether it’s reading, listening to worship music, or playing sports.

  • Model restful habits: Teenagers learn by example, so model what Sabbath looks like—whether through prayer, reading, or simply slowing down and being fully present.

  • Encourage them to unplug: Have a family discussion about taking a break from phones and social media for the day. If this is difficult, start with shorter periods, like a couple of hours.

  • Serve together: If your family enjoys serving others, consider doing a small act of kindness together during the Sabbath—writing cards to loved ones, baking for neighbors, or volunteering.

7. Making It a Family Tradition

  • Family prayer time: Set aside time as a family to pray together, giving thanks for the week and asking for rest and restoration.

  • Family blessings: Use the Sabbath to speak blessings over one another, offering encouraging words or Scripture verses.

  • Celebrate weekly victories: Reflect as a family on the highlights of the week—celebrating milestones, moments of joy, or growth. Make it a time of gratitude and reflection.

By preparing in advance and creating a peaceful, intentional atmosphere, you can make the Sabbath a meaningful time for yourself and your family. Remember, the goal is to enjoy God’s presence, rest, and each other. Keep it simple and flexible, especially as you start this practice for the first time!

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Here are some meaningful Bible passages you can read and reflect on during a Sabbath, each offering wisdom on rest, trust, and the presence of God:

Genesis 2:2-3:

  • Reflect on God's example of rest as a rhythm built into creation.

  • Consider how rest is a blessing and a part of God's design for life.

  • Contemplate the sacredness of setting aside time for rest and connection with God.

Exodus 20:8-11:

  • Reflect on the command to set aside the Sabbath as holy and restful.

  • Think about how Sabbath reminds us that life is more than work and productivity.

  • Consider how resting on the Sabbath helps us trust in God's provision.

Psalms 23:1-3:

  • Reflect on God’s role as a shepherd, guiding us to places of rest and peace.

  • Consider how stillness in nature can help restore your soul.

  • Contemplate God's desire for us to experience soul-deep rest and refreshment.

Psalms 46:10

  • Reflect on the importance of stillness in recognizing God’s presence and power.

  • Consider how being still allows you to hear from God and rest in His sovereignty.

  • Contemplate how trusting in God’s control over all things brings peace and rest to your soul.

Isaiah 58:13-14:

  • Reflect on how the Sabbath can be a delight when we focus on God, not ourselves.

  • Consider the joy and reward that come from honoring the Sabbath and resting in God.

  • Contemplate how practicing Sabbath helps you to experience greater intimacy with the Lord.

Matthew 11:28-30:

  • Reflect on Jesus’ invitation to bring our burdens to Him and find true rest.

  • Consider how Jesus offers a gentleness and lightness that replaces the heavy demands of life.

  • Contemplate the spiritual rest that comes from trusting in Jesus' care and guidance.

Hebrews 4:9-11:

  • Reflect on how the concept of Sabbath goes beyond a day—it’s an invitation to spiritual rest in Christ.

  • Consider how Sabbath rest is about trusting God and stepping away from our own efforts.

  • Contemplate the promise of deeper rest and peace when we cease striving and rely on God’s grace.