Sabbath Thanks

Prayer Celebration Directions

OPENING SONG
Leader		The Sabbath is a day of rest. It is a day to worship God, enjoy nature, and be with our families. It is a day of peace. Our Jewish brothers and sisters celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday. Christians celebrate the Sabbath every Sunday. To show how special the day is, we light two candles during our prayer. (Light candles) We pray: Blessed is our God who created us, and who calls on us to light the Sabbath candles and to keep Sunday holy.
All		Blessed be God.
READING (based on Genesis 1:31–2:4)
Leader		God created the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures. God looked at all of creation and saw that it was very good. On the seventh day, God rested. God blessed this day and made it holy. This is the story of God’s creation.
All		We thank you God, for making us.
Leader		We remember that God made the seventh day, the Sabbath, holy. We think of ways that we can make the Sabbath holy for our families. On the Sabbath, We will find things to do with our families.
All		Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
Leader		We will try to be with our parish community at Mass.
All		Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
Leader		We will take time to be quiet and to pray.
All		Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
Leader		We will use this day to be kind to others.
All		Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath.
Leader		We will have fun and be happy on this day.
All		Thank you, God, for giving us the Sabbath. Amen.
Leader		O God, be with us on the Sabbath and during the week. Help us to act in ways that will make the earth, your creation, a good place for all of creation.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG