A Prayer about Entering God’s Rest

For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. Hebrews 4:10

Lord of the Sabbath,

May we hear and heed these words in Hebrews. 

In our busy, noisy, rushing world, 

we often ignore your invitation to rest. 

Your people long ago ignored your invitation, 

choosing instead to serve other gods 

who seemed to offer them 

what they wanted when they wanted it. 

They refused to trust in you, 

and therefore you said,

“They shall not enter my rest” (Hebrews 4:5-6). 

You have given us everything we need 

for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), 

and all we must do is believe 

this good news, rest in it, 

and love out of it. 

Today and every day, 

may we still ourselves 

and say no to the world’s 

clanging demands 

in order to receive 

the profound rest 

you have offered us. 

May we truly cease striving 

and know that you are God (Psalm 46:10).

In the name of Jesus, who gave us rest. Amen.

Read Hebrews 4:1-13.