​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

STORIED CHURCH SABBATH SUNDAY | DECEMBER 29

​

As we approach the final Sunday of 2024, let’s come together for a meaningful Sabbath. We invite you to embrace this worship rhythm in a way that brings you joy and connection—whether it’s a hike with a friend, a peaceful afternoon at the playground, or sharing a meal with fellow community members.

​

1. CHRISTMAS PRAYER REFLECTION

Before You Begin: Take a moment of silence, breathe deeply, and relax. Pray the following, then sit in the stillness, welcoming the presence of Jesus.

​

2. A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE

Spend time in thanks. Think of the moments, people, and experiences that make up your journey—both the good and the hard—and hold them all with gratitude.

 

God, You know my story. Thank You for being with me in every moment, from my beginning to now. Help me appreciate all of it: the ups and downs, the valleys and peaks, the painful places and the fountains of love that flow from You. I praise You, for I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14). Amen.

 

3. EXPLORING YOUR STORY

Reflect on your story with God. As you pray, notice what memories, people, or feelings come up. Sit with them without judgment. Write your thoughts if it helps.

 

Guiding Prayer: God, help me look at my story with grace. Show me the parts You want to bring into the light. I open my heart to You. Amen.

 

Questions for Reflection:

+ What emotions or images come up? Invite God into those feelings.

+Does anything new stand out?

What might God be showing you?

+Is there something you can appreciate or something painful that needs God's care?

​

4. REDEEMING YOUR STORY

Use this time for healing and confession. If you notice anything troubling in your story, sit with it before God.

​

Guiding Prayer: Healing: God, You see all of my story and hold it with love. For the painful parts, bring comfort. For what is broken, bring healing. For wrongs done, bring Your grace and justice. Amen.

 

5. NEXT STEPS

Find hope in your story.

Let God’s love guide your steps forward.

​

Questions for Hope:

+ How does reflecting on your story give you hope?

+ Is there a part of your story that helps you walk in freedom?

+ How can you honor someone else's story tomorrow as a gift of love?

​

6. CLOSING PRAYER

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts. May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace. May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. Amen.

​

​