Here you'll find resources that outline godly/biblical mandates for sabbath rest and renewal and secular calls to radical, counter-cultural attitudes toward rest. Self-compassion, trusting God's abundance, and removing ourselves from the industrial complex of productivity are all reflected in our online and hard copy resources.
Please also see our Contemplative Practices lib guide for other practices that engender rest and renewal and deepen human/divine relations and our spiritual journeys.
A Blessing/Poem and Prayer for Busy Adults from Speak it Plain
by Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson
Remember the Sabbath. It is not a suggestion, but rather the first of all commands, for God knew we would need this rhythm of rest in the beginning and every generation since.
Even and especially in the middle of life, when we are called by so many names that belong to duty and performance, that call us away from our first and forever name: Beloved Child of God.
You are surrounded by generations and expectations that will never tire of asking more from you, filling your days with obligation that is both rich and weary, that tempts you to forget that you are mortal.
God, grant us the courage to rest, to resist the idols of busy and best, to learn to stand ourselves long enough to hear you call our name, to notice what you are making, even without our help and hindrance.
Bless our deep breaths, our long sighs, and our fearful fidgets so that we trust your presence in our nothingness and learn to believe the world will keep spinning and it is enough to simply be your people.
Krista Tippett writes about (01.21.21) and interviews Katherine May, author of Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.
Founded in 2016 by Tricia Hersey, The Nap Ministry examines the liberating power of naps by engaging with the power of performance art, site-specific installations, and community organizing to install sacred and safe spaces for the community to rest together. They facilitate immersive workshops and curate performance art that examine rest as a radical tool for community healing. They believe rest is a form of resistance and name sleep deprivation as a racial and social justice issue. They are deeply influenced by Black Liberation Theology, Womanism/Womanist Theology, Afro Futurism, Reparations Theory, Somatics and Community Organizing.
