For Rest on the Sabbath*
Sanctifier of holy rest,
on the seventh day you paused,
laying
down
the work
of creation,
and entered into sacred stillness.
Let us remember we were freed from slavery
in Egypt and you continue to call us
to be people of liberation.
Kindle in us the strength to say no
to a world of perpetual busyness.
Inspire us to set aside our plans
and goals to receive the lavish gift
of rest for ourselves,
to rediscover the paradise within.
Let the Sabbath be a time of profound renewal,
a gushing forth of the holy well,
a time of intimate connection with you,
and a rekindling of our sacred desires to be of service.
Sustain in us the longing to simply be
and not succumb to the demands
of productivity and an endless string of achievements.
Let our lives be a loving witness
to a world of restoration and refreshment
and to the profound goodness of joy and delight
so that we might take pleasure in the generous gift of pausing.
Dearest dancing monks, artists, and pilgrims,
This will be our last email newsletter until August 2nd. We always take July off from programs so we can return refreshed in August to launch our new program calendar and begin another cycle.
I will be resting and working to complete my book on seven medieval women mystics (some of you participated in the Lent retreat we offered in 2025 where I first introduced that material). I am delighted at the thought of these wise women—Margery, Julian, Teresa, Clare, Mechtild, Angela, and Hildegard—keeping me company over the next several weeks during the slowness of summer.
I pray that each of you have Sabbath moments over the coming weeks, moments when eternity breaks in and your heart expands with the wonder of it all. In a world that weighs heavily on us, we need the renewal that Sabbath and sabbatical can bring more than ever in whatever way we can make work in our lives.
A deep bow of gratitude to our wonderful program coordinator Melinda and our program assistant Delaney supporting a rich year. Thank you to our many wondrous team members, Wisdom Council members, and guest teachers. And of course, for each of you who keeps showing up to cultivate a creative and contemplative path.
Our self-study sale extends until the end of June. Use SUMMER20 to receive 20% off. We have 29 online programs available! With self-study you move at your own pace and the materials stay available to you.
If you already know you’d love to help support our free programs and scholarships during our next program year, you can find more information about our Sustainers Circle here.
With great and growing love,
Christine
Christine Valters Paintner, OblSB, PhD, REACE
*Blessing from A Book of Everyday Blessings by Christine Valters Paintner (Ave Maria Press)
Image paid license with Canva
