Thursday Prayer: rest

God rested on the seventh day from all the work God had done (Genesis 2:2)

It is a busy time of year, God,
and there might not be time for resting.

Jesus said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6: 31)

It just isn’t very practical
when there is so much to be done.

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. (Matthew 11: 29 – 30)

Your yoke might be easy, but ministry is demanding.
There’s a lot that needs doing.

 I will lie down in peace and take my rest;
for it is in God alone that I dwell unafraid. (Psalm 4:8)

Or, to be honest, I will lie down and run my to-do list through my head
and worry about how we are going to do Covid-Christmas.

In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

Dear God,
quieten my spirit,
grow my trust,
and help me take my rest.
Amen.

Jemma Allen is a priest in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia and expresses that ministry as a researcher, counsellor and spiritual director.

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