I recently had a conversation with a friend who, for the last few months, has started to practice the Sabbath with his family. They start with a meal, often with friends, perhaps light a candle and from sundown on one day till sundown the next, they have a day set apart.

Key points

• John Mark Comer highlights four key points in Practicing the Way: stop working, rest, delight by doing the things that we enjoy, and worship.
• Through disconnection from the busyness of life, we find deep and meaningful reconnection with our souls, our family and our creator.
• Listen to the Sabbath Rest series and others on Real Hope | The Podcast.

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It occurred to me as he spoke that this intentional act by his family, every single week, is unusual and yet it shouldn’t be. 

From the very first words of the Bible, we see the importance of rest and a day that is set apart. Yet, I don’t know that many of us have been taught how to experience the Sabbath well.

John Mark Comer, as a part of his teachings through Practicing the Way, has significantly delved into the Sabbath exploring what it is, what it isn’t and with some practical ways that we can proactively incorporate this special day into our faith life.

What he highlights are four key points: stop working, rest, delight by doing the things that we enjoy, and worship.

From the very first words of the Bible, we see the importance of rest and a day that is set apart. Yet, I don’t know that many of us have been taught how to experience the Sabbath well.

Cook, read, play, walk, sleep in, have brunch and have another sleep if you like. Take off your watch, turn off the phone. Through disconnection from the busyness of life, we find deep and meaningful reconnection with our souls, our family and our creator, which creates a more meaningful and authentic worship experience. May we all learn how to stop, rest, delight and worship well and reconnect with the refreshing and restorative practice of Sabbath rest – the most special day of the week.

Listen to this episode in the player above.

Sabbath Rest is a six-week series inviting listeners to incorporate this Biblical practice into their everyday life. Subscribe to the YouVersion plan.

Subscribe to listen to this series and others on Real Hope | The Podcast.

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Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro

Episode supplied with thanks to Susie Holt.

Originally published as ‘Most Special Day of the Week’ in Real Hope, Jan-Feb 2024.