We are often asked, “How do I take steps to begin observing a Sabbath?” If you are ready to commit to keeping a Sabbath, here are some ideas to get you started.
- Encourage your family to take guiltless naps.
- Say grace before every meal on the Sabbath.
- Take a Sabbath walk.
- Take a media fast.
- Spend at least half an hour in silence.
- Find a church home, if I don’t have one already.
- Write a letter of appreciation.
- Engage in service outreach.
- Talk with your family and decide how you want to celebrate the Sabbath.
- Clean the house and do all errands the day before the Sabbath.
- Light Sabbath candles.
- Avoid eating out, buying things, and driving (except to church).
- Select a devotional to share with your family.
- Take off your watch and remove all reminders of work during the Sabbath day.
- Prepare a special Sabbath meal and invite someone to share it with you. Try baking Challah bread.
- Turn off the computer and your cell phone. Use your answering machine to screen calls
- Fill a special play box for children with quiet activities reserved for the Sabbath.
- Read Psalm 92 (the Sabbath Day Psalm) or Psalm 23, 24, 29, 93, 126, or 148.
- Talk together. Share praises and concerns with family or friends. Ask forgiveness from anyone you may have hurt or offended this week. Bless your spouse and children. Read a book aloud together.
- Spend at least ten minutes completely surrounded by nature.
- Prepare most Sabbath meals with local or organic foods.
- Pick a cue throughout the week to bring in a moment of Sabbath peace to your weekday routine.
