Ep 8: The Way of Love: To Rest

Experiencing Jesus with Bishop Mariann

I cannot speak to you as yet from the experience of weekly Sabbath as I imagine it--a full day of rest that I hope one day to have as part of my spiritual practice. But I can speak of the restoring, restful smaller practices that help me redeem time and restore my tattered soul.

I know what some of those restful moments are for me: They can be as simple as lighting a candle before an evening meal, taking a deep breath, and savoring the moment gathered at the table. I find rest in a quiet walk and invigorating bicycle ride. It is restful and restoring for me whenever I can allow time to drift, when I can let go, even for a moment, of the need to be productive.

It’s been said that there is more to life than increasing its speed. We are more in God’s eyes than what we feel we must do. To realize that for God rest is a priority for us surely has the power to shift our perspective even a little bit. Perhaps we can trust what the Book of Common Prayer encourages us to pray is actually true: that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength.

May that be true for you, for all of us.

Friends, this ends the first season of Experiencing Jesus and the exploration of the Way of Love. While this series is finished, our walk in the way of love continues, as the life practice, and foundational spiritual resource of the Episcopal Church.

Executive Producers: Bishop Mariann Budde & Daryl Paul Lobban

This podcast is sponsored by the friends and members of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington

For the full text of this episode, visit: To Rest Full Text

For The Way of Love, small group guides, daily devotional, & lectionary visit: EDOW Way Of Love Resources