Instead of the usual Resistance, Delight, Nearness this week I felt led to share what I exactly do on my Sabbath to listen to God and commune with the Father.  In general (I say, “in general” because it’s not a legalistic set of steps that I follow, rather, these are mini-disciplines that I’ve formed along the way since starting the Sabbath going back to April 2024), here’s what I do:

1. Just sit.  I “soak” in God’s creation.  This is why being in nature is important to me, but not necessary as all of creation comes from God.  I thank God for His creation. I first look at what’s around such as the sunrise, the clouds, color of the sky, trees, birds, grass… Then I take a deep breath through my nose and smell.  I smell the air.  It’s smells different in Hawaii, Claremont, and Kyoto.  Then I close my eyes and listen.  I hear the birds, breeze through the trees, maybe a car in the distance.  I take it all in.  With my eyes closed, I try to focus on one thought at a time.  I sit for about 20-30 minutes.
2. Ask.  “What do you want to show me?  Tell me?”  and I just listen.  When I hear something, I journal.  If not, I just try to sit without any thoughts.
3. Read scripture.  I’m going through a specific book in the Bible and certain words jump out to me most times during my solitude time.  I journal them.
4. Read books.  I’m most invested right now in reading Dallas Willard’s book, “The Divine Conspiracy:  Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God.”  It’s not a quick read and reminds me of my days as a Philosophy major in college.  Willard’s approach to discipleship is profound and insightful.  It’s what’s opening my perspective to the Practices of the Way and in particular the beauty and depth of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
5. Pray.  Throughout I’m praying and communing with God.  This includes journaling prayer alongside the thoughts that come to mind in the quiet, while reading scripture, or while reading Willard.
6. Nap.  I take a nap, usually before lunch.  I find that a lot of what I journaled and read needs time to soak into my subconscious.  I usually feel like God is telling me to rest and quiet my mind.  I’m not a napper, but somehow this really helps me after I spend time with God.
7. Eat and Enjoy. I do not fast on my Sabbath.  The “enjoy” part varies.  I am a strong believer of putting my phone in the bedroom where I cannot be easily distracted.  And my enjoyment can take the form of watching a show or working out or reading or having coffee or lunch with someone.  I don’t spend long but am deliberately engaged in something that I can look back upon with a smile as something I did to “fill my cup.”

Maybe there’s something in the above that resonates with you?  Maybe you have practices that you’d like to share with me? God is good and I have really come to treasure my Sabbath. My prayer is that you would too.