GREETING (adapted from Psalm 118:24)
This is the day that you have made, O God.
We rejoice and are glad in it.
HYMN 657 “This Is the Day”
PSALM 1
PRAYER
No alarm clock shouts “Get going!” today, O God.
Only singing birds and gentle rays of sun beckon to us.
There is time to roll over and pull the covers close,
time for the luxury of lazily slumbering a little longer.
This is the sabbath you ordained, God-ordered rest,
a little heaven-on-earth break from all the hurry-hurry.
The only pressure today is to not accomplish a thing,
the only stress is deciding do we play, nap or do nothing?
Shall we go for a walk, or curl up with a good book?
Or maybe we will just sit and catch up with a dear friend.
This is a God-sized gift, our one day in seven,
and only you, God, know how to make it even better.
Our Christian sabbath bestows another blessing,
it marks not the end but the beginning of a holy new life.
On a Sunday you gave the gift of resurrection,
and our Savior was the first to step out of his grave.
Sabbath and life woven into one eternal cloth,
only you, God, could imagine such a wondrous thing.
We stand blessed in open-mouthed astonishment.
Our day of rest now peeks forward to coming promise.
What a day, what a day, O God, so full of joy!
We rest from our labors while you unfold the future!
How can just one day be full of so many riches?
And what shall we do, God, with all this blessing?
Most assuredly we begin by visiting your house,
joining the rest of the family in thanking you for today.
While there, we will add a song or two of praise,
and relish the company of One who commands Sabbath,
who delights those enjoying rest with resurrection,
on this fantastic and glorious beginning of a new week. Amen.
GATHER WITH A CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIANS
TO CONTINUE THE WORSHIP OF GOD
ON THIS DAY OF JOYFUL RESURRECTION.
Copyright 2020. Robert D. Ingram, 32746 Jourden Rd., Albany, Ohio 45710 (dr.bobingram@gmail.com). Used by permission.
