OPENING PRAYER
Gracious God, keeper of our hearts and guardian of our souls,
We come to you tired, overwhelmed, and often running on empty.
In a world that demands our constant attention,
We confess that we have forgotten how to rest in You.
For the times we’ve chosen chaos over calm,
Busy-ness over boundaries,
Exhaustion over restoration,
Forgive us, Lord.
Teach us again the rhythm of rest,
Show us how to guard what is precious,
Help us remember that we are human beings,
Not human doings.
When we feel guilty for setting boundaries,
When we struggle to say no,
When we forget that even Jesus withdrew to quiet places,
Grant us your peace that passes understanding.
Like a shepherd leading us to green pastures,
Guide us to spaces of sacred rest.
Like a mother hen gathering her chicks,
Show us how to shelter what is valuable.
For our bodies that need sleep,
For our minds that need quiet,
For our hearts that need protection,
For our souls that need nurturing,
Grant us wisdom to guard these gifts.
Give us the courage to protect these treasures.
Help us honor these holy limits.
In our families and our work,
In our relationships and our solitude,
In our giving and our receiving,
May we learn to guard what gives life,
To protect what brings peace,
To cherish what draws us closer to You.
As we begin this journey of growth,
As we learn to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,
Make us mindful of Your presence,
Grateful for Your protection,
And responsive to Your gentle guidance.
Lord, teach us that in guarding these gifts,
We guard the sacred space where You meet us.
In protecting these boundaries,
We protect the holy ground where You transform us.
May we grow in grace as we learn to rest in You.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Who modeled both sacred service and holy rest,
Amen.
SERMON
THINK ABOUT: What occupies my time and attention, and how does it affect my soul?
POINT: Busyness is not a badge of honor.
POINT: You cannot pour from an empty cup.
POINT: Rest isn’t a reward; it’s a requirement.
Psalm 23:2–3a (NIV)
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
“In solitude, we can slowly unmask the illusion of our possessiveness and discover in the center of our own self that we are not what we can conquer, but what is given to us.” —- Henri Nouwen, from Out of Solitude
Mark 6:31-32 NIV
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others. We can’t base our own worthiness on others’ approval.” —- Breńe Brown
POINT: Boundaries are not walls; they’re recognition of a holy rhythm.
POINT: Becoming healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically is not only a gift to ourselves but also to those we love.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.