Practicing Sabbath
How do you do it?
Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was made for humanity — not as a burden, but as a gift. Psalm 92 echoes that spirit, calling the Sabbath a time for joy, gratitude, and flourishing. Both the psalm and the gospel push us to remember that true rest isn’t about rules — it’s about relationship, rhythm, and renewal in God's presence.
Mark 2:23-28
Jesus went through the wheat fields on the Sabbath. As the disciples made their way, they were picking the heads of wheat. The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look! Why are they breaking the Sabbath law?”
He said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was in need, when he and those with him were hungry? During the time when Abiathar was high priest, David went into God’s house and ate the bread of the presence, which only the priests were allowed to eat. He also gave bread to those who were with him.” Then he said, “The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath. This is why the Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.”
Psalm 92:10-14
But you’ve made me as strong as a wild ox.
I’m soaked in precious ointment.
My eyes have seen my enemies’ defeat;
my ears have heard the downfall of my evil foes.
The righteous will spring up like a palm tree.
They will grow strong like a cedar of Lebanon.
Those who have been replanted in the Lord’s house
will spring up in the courtyards of our God.
They will bear fruit even when old and gray;
they will remain lush and fresh in order to proclaim:
“The Lord is righteous. He’s my rock. There’s nothing unrighteous in him.”
Prayer1
God,
May your people exult for ever in renewed youthfulness of spirit, so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption, we may look forward in confident hope to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
Adapted from the 3rd Sunday of Easter Collect Prayer.