At Beloved South Phoenix, we treasure Sabbath as a gift—a time to pause, rest, and delight in God’s presence. Every first Sunday of the month, we embrace this rhythm, creating space to slow down, enjoy life’s blessings, and reconnect with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Sabbath isn’t just about taking a break from work—it’s about leaning into God’s love, finding peace for our souls, and rediscovering the joy of simply being with Him and with one another. It’s an invitation to step away from the busyness of life and into the rest that only God can provide.
What Does Sabbath Look Like for Us?
Sabbath is a time to breathe deeply, savor life’s beauty, and be refreshed in God’s presence. Here’s how we practice Sabbath together at Beloved South Phoenix:
- Silence & Solitude
Take a moment to quiet your heart and mind. In the stillness, we meet God in a personal and intimate way, free from distractions. As Richard Foster says:
“In the stillness, our false, busy selves are unmasked and seen for the imposters they truly are.”
This is a time to let go of life’s noise and simply be with God.
- Delighting in God’s Good Gifts
Sabbath is a day to enjoy God’s blessings—good food, laughter with friends, time with family, a walk in nature, or a warm cup of coffee. These simple joys remind us of God’s goodness and love.
- Intentional Scripture Reading & Listening Prayer
Spend time with God’s Word and open your heart to Him in prayer. Let His voice speak to you. As Henri Nouwen reminds us:
“Without solitude, it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life. We do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside some time to be with God and listen to Him.”
- Quality Time with God’s People & Presence
Share moments of joy and connection with others. Whether it’s a meal, a conversation, or simply being together, we celebrate the beauty of community and the shared journey of faith.
- A Slow Morning
Take your time. Sleep in, sip your coffee, and move slowly. Use the morning to stir your affections for Jesus and notice His presence in the small, beautiful details of your day.
- Prayer of Examen & Journaling
Reflect on your week. Where did you see God’s hand? Where do you need His grace? Journaling helps us process our thoughts, express gratitude, and see how God is working in our lives.
Some additional questions to ask yourself:
- What am I grateful for today?
- What was the most life-giving part of my day?
- When did I feel most connected to God, others, and myself?
- What challenged me today?
- What interactions did I have today?
- Why did I respond the way I did to so and so?
- What loss did I incur today?
- What emotions did I experience today?
- What is God trying to say to me through my emotions?
- Caring for Your Nervous System
Sabbath is a day to rest not just spiritually but physically and emotionally. Practice breathing exercises, grounding, and engaging your five senses to be fully present. Let your soul and body find peace.
- Creating Space for Creativity
Let your creativity flow. Write, paint, draw, imagine, or connect with music. Creativity is a beautiful way to worship and let the Holy Spirit work in new and unexpected ways.
Why Sabbath Matters
Sabbath is a rhythm of life that God built into creation—a time to rest and refocus. As Mike Goheen and Jim Mullins write in The Symphony of Mission:
“A regular practice of Sabbath-taking is vital to sustaining missional engagement because it helps us refocus on God, recognize our creatureliness, and remember our neighbors… It’s hard to overstate the simplicity of this gift of rest: we just take one day a week to shift from worshiping God through our work to worshiping God through rest.”
This rhythm reminds us of two beautiful truths:
God is Sovereign
Even when we stop, God is still at work. Augustine said it best:
“You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”
We Are Limited
Sabbath invites us to embrace our God-given limits. It’s a time to confess our need for Him and to be renewed by His love and grace.