As we begin the summer season, this First Reading, from Deuteronomy 5:12-15, is very fitting. It is a call to remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD commands us. The Sabbath, what we observe on Sundays, is a gift of God! The Sabbath is to be a day of worship, gathering to give God thanks and praise, and to receive His blessings, and a day of rest. The Sabbath is a day for us to be replenished spiritually and physically. Let us keep the Sabbath, just as Jesus did, and receive the blessings God intends for us: to be refreshed spiritually and physically.
Lord God, thank You for the gift of Sabbath rest. Let us hear and heed Your call to be refreshed spiritually and physically as we observe the Sabbath. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s psalm is Psalm 81:1-10. This psalm gives us insight as to ways to keep the Sabbath: gather in worship to sing in praise to God! Why? Because He has rescued us! In Christ we are rescued from sin, death, and the devil. What a privilege we have to gather to give Him thanks and praise for all His blessings to us. What can be better than that?
Holy Spirit, inspire us to gather to give thanks and praise of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for all Your blessings given to us, especially the blessings we have in Jesus! Amen.

The Second Reading, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, is a powerful passage that shows how frail we are as humans, but how strong and faithful the Lord is! Paul’s trust was in the Lord, Who kept him in this life and received him into eternal life. May we also have this faith, knowing that even though we may be as frail as a clay jar, the Lord will keep us. And, just like Paul, let us proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord!
Faithful God, keep us safe in Your hands each day into eternity. We are weak, but You are strong. Let us walk in faith and proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. Amen.

The Gospel is recorded in Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-6. Again in this passage we see the importance of the Sabbath: a day in which God gives life! Jesus’ disciples needed to be replenished, and the man with a withered hand had to be restored. Jesus provided what was needed on the Sabbath, health and wholeness were restored! God is gracious to restore us. Let us give thanks!
Lord Jesus, we are humbled as we realize that You are Lord of the Sabbath, and we are grateful as we see that You give life on the Sabbath, fulfilling the desire of the heavenly Father to bring blessings! Let us follow You in keeping the Sabbath, and receive Your blessings through the Sabbath. Amen.