Guided reflection: 

Put you name on the blank line, and read how THE MESSAGE states this passage and listen to Jesus speak directly to your soul:  “  ____________,are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life.   I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it!  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  Read it once like a buddy asking you to join him… then read it in a whisper as an invitation… then imagine looking at Jesus, face to face, and look him in the eye and hear his invitation again.  What would it take for you to respond to Christ’s invitation?     

Guided prayer: 

“Oh, how I get tired and worn out from all the “doing good” and all the things I think I ought to do.  Sometimes I feel that walking the Christian way can be exhausting.  O God, help me experience the unforced rhythms of grace.  Show me where I am trying too hard… show me what grace looks like for me.  Amen”