PRACTICE & PRAY this week [Proper 25]

On keeping the Sabbath for A Restful Rule of Life

Blessed Ordinary Time, friends!

We’re in the twenty-fifth week of the longest season of the church year, which fills the months between Pentecost in late spring and Christ the King Sunday on the final Sunday before Advent.

You can read here for a brief introduction to this year’s Ordinary Time series.

Today’s letter includes:

• This week’s scripture passages and prayer for the global church.

Plus, for paid subscribers only

• Practices and prayers, as well as art and music for the NT reading in today’s scripture

• An excerpt from my book and some reflection questions to help us cultivate A Restful Rule of Life

Let's begin.

Community Practice & Prayer

Read today’s lectionary passages from the Book of Common Prayer (Year B)

Isaiah 59:9-20; Psalm 13; Hebrews 5:11—6:12; Mark 10:46-52

Pray out loud the Collect for Proper 25 from the Book of Common Prayer.

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Keep practicing and praying the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer.

You can find the Daily Office Lectionary, Morning and Evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer here: https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/bcp-daily-office/next

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Contemplative Practice & Prayer

Begin with a simple breath prayer from today’s scripture.

Inhale: Soil that drinks the rain and produces crops

Exhale: Receives a blessing from God.

Repeat gently until you sense you are ready to move forward.

Prayerfully contemplate and respond to today’s art and music pairing.

Spend some quiet moments reflecting on the art and the passage of Scripture above, focusing primarily on the New Testament passage I’ve highlighted. You may want to use a journal or a sketch pad to let this exercise involve your heart, mind, and body. What images or words stir as you gently hold the image and scripture in your mind?