In only a few hours I’ll be getting up (early) for the start of another Monday and another week. Right now, nearing the end of a long Sunday, I’m wishing I had another weekend – without so many events, demands, responsibilities, and time-consumption. I’m longing for rest.
This morning I preached at our church – on prayer. I mentioned that Richard Foster says prayer is most accurately translated as “Come to Rest.” Tonight I’m wishing I could/would practice what I preach; that I could/would come to rest through prayer and subsequently come to tomorrow feeling ready, encouraged, and restored.
Despite my words of encouragement to our community of faith this morning, I’m feeling my own doubt that prayer can offer or invite the kind of rest I’m needing. Maybe that’s the very reason that I should follow my own advice and spend some time with the God who deeply longs to offer me comfort, consolation, encouragement, and yes, rest.
I am your shepherd, you need not want.
I offer you green pastures;
I lead you beside still waters
I restore your soul.
I lead you in right paths
for my name’s sake.
Even though you walk through the darkest valley,
You need fear no evil;
for I am with you;
my rod and my staff—they comfort you.
I prepare a table before you
in the presence of your enemies;
I anoint your head with oil;
your cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you
all the days of your life,
and you shall dwell in the house of the Lord
your whole life long.
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