This Sunday, we rest.
No services. No rush. No production.
Just God’s people slowing down to receive the gift of Sabbath and reflect on His faithfulness through 2025 and prepare us for His work in the new year.
Instructions
This guide is designed to be versatile. It can be used by anyone no matter your stage of life or where you are in your faith journey. Feel free to use it privately on your own or corporately with your family (see Part 4, Option D), or small group.
Take this guide with you—on a walk, to the table with your family, or into a quiet corner with a Bible and a warm drink.
Let it lead you gently into worship.
2. Scripture to Center your Heart
Choose one of these verses to sit with. Read it aloud 2–3 times.
Ask: What word or phrase stands out to me today? Why?
Read slowly:
Colossians 3:1–17
…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Psalm 103:1–5
Bless the LORD, O my soul… and forget not all His benefits.Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:Philippians 1:3-11
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.Psalm 90
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
3. Looking Back on 2025: Celebration & Lament
Today is a day for honesty. A day to name what was good, and to name what was hard.
Take 5–10 minutes for each section:
Celebration
Where have you seen God’s kindness this year?
What prayers were answered—big or small?
What relationships grew, deepened, or healed?
What spiritual practices took root or grew stronger?
Write, journal, or pray your answers out loud.
Lament
What losses did you feel this year?
Where did you experience disappointment, confusion, or grief?
Where did sin, regret, or missed opportunities weigh on you?
What burdens are you still carrying into the end of the year?
And then pray:
“God, You see it all.
I give You my joy.
I give You my sorrow.
Meet me with mercy in both.”
4. Choose your Sabbath Practice
Pick one - or more - based on what your soul needs today.
Option A: Prayer Walk
Bundle up and take a slow walk.
With each step, pray:
Thank You for what You did in 2025.
Help me release what needs to be released.
Lead me into 2026 with courage, conviction, and a renewed faith.
Pause 2–3 times to simply notice the world around you.
Let creation preach to you about God’s care.
Option B: Scripture Meditation
Pick one of these passages and meditate for 10 minutes:
Psalm 23 – God’s gentle leadership
John 15:1–11 – Abiding in Christ
Matthew 11:28–30 – Rest for the weary
Revelation 21:1–5 – Hope that renews all things
Use this simple pattern:
Read → Reflect → Rest → Respond
Ask: “Jesus, what are You saying to me through this today?”
Option C: Listening Prayer
Sit somewhere still.
Close your eyes and pray:
“Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.”
(1 Samuel 3:10)
Then spend several minutes in silence—not filling the space, but receiving whatever God brings to mind: a person… a truth… a correction… or simply peace.
Option D: Family / Household Version
Gather everyone for 10–15 minutes.
Ask two simple questions:
What is one thing you’re thankful for from this year?
What is one thing that was hard?
Then read Psalm 103:1–5 aloud and pray:
“God, thank You for being with our family this year.”
Finish by praying blessing over your home.
Lord God Almighty,
we commend this home and all who dwell within it to Your gracious rule.
Set Your peace upon our doors, Your truth within our hearts,
and Your fear before our eyes.
Keep us faithful in prosperity, humble in correction,
and steadfast in love.
Let Christ be honored in this house,
and Your mercy remembered in every season.
Amen.
5. Looking Ahead to 2026
Pray these words:
“Lord, form me into the image of Jesus—for the sake of others.”
Then reflect:
What kind of person is God inviting me to become next year?
Where is He calling me to grow?
What one practice or habit could help me begin 2026 with intention?
Who might God be asking me to encourage, forgive, or serve?
Write down one simple, practical next step.
6. Closing Worship Song
As your final act of Sabbath today, play this song:
“All Glory Be to Christ” — Campus House Worship
Let the lyrics become your prayer, your hope, your surrender, and your declaration for the year ahead.
Whether you sing aloud or sit quietly, let this be your benediction:
“All glory be to Christ our King.
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing—
All glory be to Christ.”