Asian Access/Japan was blessed by Robert and Jayna Gallagher (pictured here) from Wheaton for our May Spring Retreat. They walked us through the rhythms of rest in Christ which was perfect for us activist mission types. One of our deepest values at Asian Access is “Living in a Love Relationship with God” and Robert and Jayna helped us grow together in this area.

I found our time deeply refreshing and in some ways convicting. Even the silence in the Nooma Video they showed stirred me. You can find the video “Noise” here on youtube.

{youtube}http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhWdsM3Ry-M{/youtube}

The Morning Prayer they provided from Thomas Keating on our Sabbath Day has strengthened me for several days since leaving the retreat. I thought I would share it here for your pleasure and solitude. Perhaps it will help you today.

Gracious God,
Thank you for the gift of today.
Refresh me. Invite me to discover your presence
In each person that I meet
And every event that I encounter.
Teach me when to speak and when to listen
When to ponder and when to share.
In moments of challenge and decision
Attune my heart to the whisperings of your Wisdom.
As I undertake ordinary and unnoticed tasks,
Gift me with simple joy.
When my day goes well, may I rejoice.
When it grows difficult, surprise me with
New possibilities.
When life is overwhelming, call me to
Sabbath moments
To restore your Peace and Harmony.
May my living today reveal your Goodness.
Amen.

A few of the practical exercises that were new to me that I thought would help me in my daily journey toward sabbath rest are the following:

Driving in the Slow Lane
Eating Slowly
Stretching Daily

What types of things help you as you seek to commune with Christ?

I’m praying for you!

Joe

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Our A2/Japan Family

More Information

• YouTube video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhWdsM3Ry-M