Why Should We Observe Sabbath?
Ex. 20:8? Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Ex. 31:12-17? Sabbath is a sign between God and man. Sabbath honors God.
Isaiah 58:13-14, 56:6-7? Sabbath releases God?s blessing.
What to do on Sabbath?
Sabbath begins at sundown Friday evening. Begin with a family worship celebration. If you are married the wife offers a special prayer to welcome the gift of Sabbath, by lighting Sabbath candles (2 of them), 1st candle (Gen. 1: 1-3) 2nd candle (Rom. 3:24). The husband then offers prayer over the bread and wine (communion), initiating the Sabbath meal. (Matt. 26:27-28, John 1:14. John 6:35). The husband prays over the wife (Proverbs 31:10-31). The wife prays over her husband. (Ps. 1:1-14). Then the parents pray over their children, May the Lord protect and defend you, May he always shield you from shame. May you come to be a shining name. May you be like Ruth and Ephraim, May you be deserving of praise. Strengthen them O Lord, and keep them from stranger?s ways. May God bless you and grant you long lives, may the Lord fulfill our Sabbath prayer for you. May God make you husbands and wives. May he send you someone who will care for you. May the Lord protect and defend you, May the Lord preserve you from pain.
Favor them O Lord, with happiness and peace, O hear our Sabbath prayer, Amen. Closing (Matt. 11:25-30)
Sabbath Activities
Consecrate yourself, light candles, sing songs, worship, tell stories, bless our children, and loved ones, give thanks, share meals, take a nap, or go for a walk. Mark 2:28? Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath.
Shabbat Shalom