Come Away and Rest

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text. 

Mark 6:30-34

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Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Maybe controversial take from me this morning: I don't really like naps. I know the reason people like them, but I don't really. I wake up grouchy and have a hard time doing anything after a nap, and because of that I always feel like it's a wasted day. 

Also, and probably more importantly, I hate naps because I'm super bad at resting. In my mind, there's always something to do and it's always SO important. I need to keep going, going, going, otherwise I'm going to end up forgetting something or missing something. I know in my mind that isn't true, but gosh is it hard for me to rest. 

I think that's why Jesus' words are so difficult here in this Gospel. “Come away and rest,” He says. Of course there is a part of me that wants to say that I can do that, but there is another part of me saying no! I'm too busy. I'll come...later. For now I have to get this work done. Jesus' words are hard for me because I'm too busy to stop, to rest, and to listen to Him. 

The reality of the matter is that I need that rest because that's how I've been created. We have a God who cares very little about our accomplishments and an endless amount about us. Jesus doesn't care how productive or effective I am; but he really does care that I'm with Him. And so he tells us to rest. Stop, let go, take a nap, and just relax. In that slowing down, meet Jesus and let him meet you; I think we'd all be surprised by how rejuvenating and life-giving that meeting with Jesus truly is. 

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Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What are the things in your life that are keeping you the most from resting right now? What worries you or gives you anxiety? 

In your life, how do you handle stress of that sort? Do you have a way to build in time for rest and silence?

How is God speaking to you in silence today? Ask him, as you move into contemplation, to tune your heart in a special way to his speaking in silence.

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Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"May I rest in you."

"You give me life."

​"I am yours, Jesus."

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Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Make time today for some intentional rest. 

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Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

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Today's prayer was prepared by Jason Theobald, Executive Director of Carpe Verbum.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.