Sabbath Practice Pt. 5
Spiritual formation through Sabbath is a profound practice that invites us to realign our lives with God's rhythms. It's more than just taking a day off; it's about entering into a space of intentional rest, reflection, and renewal.
Dear Underdogs,
As we finish out these Sabbath practices, we wanted to recognize that stepping into worship and prayer while recovering from trauma may require a more delicate and compassionate approach, prioritizing safety and gentle connection with God. It’s all about stepping into that space where vulnerability is honored, and the Divine feels accessible rather than overwhelming.
Approaching prayer and worship with gentleness might look like sitting in silence and stillness, allowing your body and mind to settle in the presence of God. It might also look like using gentle language. Speaking in gentle authenticity, and avoiding triggering words or phrases when talking with God can be really helpful in the healing process- focusing on themes of safety, love, and acceptance.
Allowing for emotional flexibility is also key. It is more than okay for emotions to come up during prayer or worship. Let yourself feel whatever you feel, and do not judge the emotions. Jesus welcomes your heart in all of its emotional complexity with adoration, and we know he is no stranger to feeling those waves of grief and lament when talking with the Father. Wherever you are at in your faith, allow yourself space for self-compassion, acknowledging that you are on a healing journey, and that there is zero pressure to feel or act a certain way.
If you choose to worship around others, connect in ways that feel safe and supportive. Maybe identifying any potential triggers like certain songs, words, images, or rituals would be helpful, and connect with God however it feels most safe and authentic to you. God knows what you have been through, and is after your heart. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Ultimately, entering into worship and prayer during trauma recovery is a personal and unique journey. It's all about learning to trust Jesus with the pieces of us that have been wounded so that he may be able to do his healing work, and most importantly, just to be with us in those places of pain.
—Sarah
WEEK FIVE: SABBATH AS A SANCTUARY OF DIVINE HEALING
In the quiet spaces of our hearts, often amidst the echoes of past hurts and the weight of mental distress, there resides a gentle invitation. It's the beckoning call of the Divine, not as a demand for performance or a rigid obligation, but as a tender offering of solace and healing through prayer and worship. Trauma can fragment our inner landscape, leaving us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the world around us. Mental distress can cast shadows that dim the light of hope and peace. Yet, within the act of turning towards the sacred, there lies a profound opportunity for integration and rest.
Think of prayer not as a flawless recitation of words, but as a heartfelt exhale, a releasing of the burdens that weigh you down. It's a space to be authentically seen and heard, even when words fail. In worship, whether through music, scripture, or quiet contemplation, we can find ourselves enveloped in a presence that transcends our pain. It's an invitation to lay down the armor we've carried for so long, to be vulnerable in a space of unconditional love and acceptance.
This isn't about a sudden erasure of pain, but a gradual infusion of peace. It's about finding moments of stillness where the relentless noise of anxiety can soften, where the grip of despair can loosen. God's invitation to prayer and worship is an invitation to Sabbath for the soul – a time to cease striving, to simply be in the embrace of God. It's a gentle reminder that even in our brokenness, we are held, we are cherished, and there is a pathway towards healing and respite, one breath, one whispered prayer, one moment of connection at a time.
ABIDING THROUGH PRAYER AND WORSHIP
For those carrying the weight of trauma, the concept of "abiding in God" through prayer and worship can feel abstract or even triggering. However, approached with gentle awareness, it can become a deeply grounding and healing practice. Instead of striving for a perfect connection, let's consider it an invitation to simply be in God's presence, much like resting in a safe space. Trauma often disrupts our sense of safety and connection. Abiding in God is about cultivating an internal sense of safety through gentle engagement. Think of it as finding a secure anchor within yourself and Jesus.
UNDERSTANDING ABIDING AS SAFETY
Start small and sensory. This week on your Sabbath, practice moments of connection with God that engage your senses in a calming way. This might be focusing on the sensation of your breath during a simple prayer, listening to soothing worship music without needing to analyze the lyrics, or gently holding a comforting object while reflecting on a scripture passage. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to connect; it's about what feels safe and grounding for you in the moment.
Permission to Feel: Allow yourself to feel whatever arises during prayer and worship without judgment. Trauma can create a need to suppress or control emotions. Abiding in God can be a space where it's okay to feel sadness, anger, or even numbness. God's presence is not contingent on you feeling a certain way.
Body-Based Prayer: Trauma is often stored in the body. Incorporate gentle movements or postures that feel safe and grounding. This could be placing your feet firmly on the floor during prayer, gently stretching before or after worship, or noticing the physical sensations in your body without needing to change them.
Focus on Presence, Not Perfection: Release the pressure to have profound spiritual experiences or to pray "correctly." Abiding is about showing up as you are, in this moment. It's about the intention to connect, not the flawless execution.
Safe Scripture Engagement: Some scripture passages may be triggering due to themes of violence, judgment, or abandonment. Choose passages that resonate with safety, love, and peace. Focus on the overarching message of God's care and presence.
Find Safe Worship Expressions: Explore different forms of worship that feel safe and comforting. This might be spending time in nature, engaging in creative expression like art or music, or participating in a faith community that prioritizes safety, compassion, and understanding.
Extend Compassion to Yourself: Healing from trauma is a journey, and your connection with God will also evolve. Be patient and gentle with yourself. There will be days when prayer and worship feel easier than others. Acknowledge your feelings without self-criticism.
Abiding in God in the midst of healing from trauma is not about forcing a connection, but gently opening yourself to a presence that can offer solace, healing, and a deep sense of being held. It's about finding small, safe moments of connection that can gradually nurture your spirit and bring respite to the wounds of the past and the challenges of mental distress.
OPTIONAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How can the physical environment of our worship spaces be designed to promote a sense of safety, calm, and grounding for individuals who have experienced trauma? Consider elements like lighting, seating options, and access to quiet spaces.
How can we foster a culture of empathy and understanding within the worshiping community, where individuals feel safe to be vulnerable and share their experiences without judgment?
How can we integrate practices of silence and stillness into worship in a way that is invitational rather than demanding, offering supports for those who find extended silence challenging?
These questions encourage us to think critically and creatively about how our prayer and worship practices during Sabbath can become more welcoming, healing, and truly abiding for everyone, especially those navigating the impact of trauma. What aspects resonate most with you?