Purpose
Our prayer for two months’ spiritual preparation for the Rest and Play getaway for Restoration Fellowship (August 29-September 1) is to till the soil of our souls. Often it is quite difficult to stop suddenly, to hit pause on our regular routines, and then expect we can rest and play. Sometimes our lives can feel like driving a car at 100 mph and then we hit the breaks and skid, perhaps become disoriented, and then fail to enjoy the rest and play we hope for.
Approach
For two months before our Rest and Play getaway, we will provide some Scriptures on this theme each with brief context and a few suggested questions for reflection. We have one or two devotionals for each of the eight weeks before our getaway. These can be enjoyed at any time during a week. We suggest picking one day per week when you dedicate a particular time to asking the Holy Spirit to prepare you through these readings. We hope people may make these reflections their own and use the time that they carve out for each devotional as opportunities for spiritual preparation.
Authorship
This Spiritual Preparation Guide was developed by Damian Long and Julian Linnell as members of the Pastoral Team at Restoration Fellowship. We welcome feedback and ways this guide could be improved. Our hope is to provide a practical guide that may actually help us all to prepare for the getaway. Email: damian.long@rfboston.org julian.linnell@rfboston.org.
Prayer
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; touch our souls today as we reflect on your Holy Word and prepare us to meet with you; through Christ our Lord. Amen. [Source: Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer]