Searching for a Sabbath

Thirteen years ago my son, Dugan, and I took a guided trip to Israel. It was a dream come true. Every stop we made brought the Bible and the words of Jesus to life. The week was filled with so much content that some of it has gone a bit hazy over time. Except for the weekend we spent in Jerusalem.

We arrived on a Thursday night and the place was a-buzzing. People everywhere, markets galore, cars and buses driving along every road and highway. It was exciting and riveting, especially knowing that this was where, once upon a time, Jesus had walked and met with people. We spent all Friday visiting key places, moments described in scripture. But it was Friday evening and the next day that has remained with me, has come to mind many times since that visit.

What was once a manic and life-filled city became a ghost town the moment the sun went down. Sabbath had begun and there was no one, I mean, no one around. The streets and sidewalks were empty, the cars and buses were parked, and shops were closed for business. It felt like a ghost town. There were no sounds; it was completely quiet. Everyone was in their homes or in our hotel, run by non-Jews, celebrating the Sabbath.

Family and friends gathered around their tables. They would begin with the lighting of candles, followed by the blessing of the wine and then each child. After which was the breaking of bread. Then dinner was served and conversations flowed.

I wasn’t brought up to treat Sunday, or the Sabbath, any differently than any other day. Except we went to church. But, once we got home, it was mealtime, football and naps. As I grew up and left home, my life patterned after my childhood. Little attention to a Sabbath outside of church. But according to scripture the Sabbath is a day that was made for me, a gift from God himself. A gift, I have come to realize, that I have returned to Him again and again.

But lately I’ve gotten a taste of the Sabbath and find that I want more. This Sabbath is not on a Friday or a Saturday or a Sunday. Not even a complete day. It’s two hours on a Tuesday night in our church. Two hours in which our auditorium is turned into a Prayer Room.

Something happens when I walk into that room. My heart slows down, my breathing becomes easy and my spirit feels light. I set down my day, my week, my work, my worries and focus on God. Listening, worshipping, reading the Bible. And usually praying for someone. It’s the best Sabbath experience I have ever had. Similar to how I felt in Jerusalem on that Friday night. No rush, no plans, no sound. Just the spirit of God inviting me to be with him. 

And this has made me in want of more. Because I’ve tasted and seen that the Lord is good. And two hours a week, I’m learning, is just not enough. Therefore, I am determined to experience more Sabbath, even though history has shown that I’m not good at it. But, I’m going to keep trying. Because extended time alone with God is life-giving, heart strengthening and spirit enriching. Who wouldn’t want more of that?!!! So here I go. Most likely, praying for the rest of my life. But a worthy prayer. A prayer in search of time with God. A prayer in which I’m searching for a Sabbath.