WEEKLY SERIES
Holy Rhythms
DRAWING FROM THE WISDOM OF JEWISH TRADITION
Developing spiritual rhythms goes beyond what happens on a Sunday morning. Spend some time each week exploring the weekly focus as a way to deepen your connection with God through intentional spiritual practices.
01 RHYTHMS OF INTENTIONALITY This week, we talked about Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. This is an important holiday that invites reflection on the previous year as well as setting intentions for the year ahead. While Christians typically observe the New Year a bit differently than our Jewish siblings, this is a good reminder to take inventory of how we spend our time. There are four months left in 2026, and this part of the year tends to slip by very quickly in a flurry of activity. Take time now to intentionally reflect on the year so far and look ahead at what's next.
READ
LISTEN
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 Matthew 11:28–30
The Lazy Genius Podcast Episode #483: Decide What You're Done With Episode #484: Decide What You Want More Of
RHYTHMS: WEEKLY PRACTICES
WEEK 1
Look back. Look ahead. DO
1. First, review the last 9 months.
You might do this alone or with others in your household. Take time to remember what God has done in your life this past year.
2. Next, look ahead to the rest of 2026.
What would God desire for you to do with the next several months? There's a lot coming up: an election, holidays, and so many opportunities to connect with others. How could you make a point to be aware of what God is doing in your midst? How might God want to work through you in these months ahead?
PRAY
God, make me aware of the gift of this one life you have given me. Use your Holy Spirit to help me notice your presence and your movement in my life. Grow in me a trust that you are the one who guides my direction and decisions. Amen.
WEEKLY SERIES
Holy Rhythms
DRAWING FROM THE WISDOM OF JEWISH TRADITION
Developing spiritual rhythms goes beyond what happens on a Sunday morning. Spend some time each week exploring the weekly focus as a way to deepen your connection with God through intentional spiritual practices.
02 RHYTHMS OF REPENTANCE This week we explored Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is a somber and sacred day where Jews fast and take time to be made right with God.
This week, you're invited to make space for lament and repentance.
READ
LISTEN
Lamentations 3:19–20 Psalm 77
by Mumford and Sons
“Sigh No More”
RHYTHMS: WEEKLY PRACTICES
WEEK 2
Make space for lament. DO
1. In worship this week, we took red ribbons with us and remembered that
God wants to take things away from us, both personally and communally. If you took a red ribbon home, use one side of the ribbon to write something that you are moved to repent of as an individual. Spend time in prayer, trusting that God holds takes this away and that you are forgiven.
2. Next, take a few extra moments to reflect on our collective human
experience. Think back over history on some of the moments where great wrong was committed (systems of racism, the way that Native Americans have been treated, antisemitism, discrimination of LGBTQIA+ persons are all things that come to mind). How might these things be showing up in our world today as part of our collective society?
3. Turn your ribbon over and write something that you are moved to repent
of from a more collective point of view. Spend time in prayer, trusting that God takes this away and that we are forgiven.
PRAY
Lord, I ask that you would extend your grace and forgiveness to the places I've named today. Forgive me personally; forgive us as a wider community. Use your Spirit to convict us of where we need to change. Remind us of the grace of Jesus as we work to create a world that is more just and righteous. Shows us the role you have for us to play in healing what has been broken; remind us that you empower your people to create a more holy and whole world. Help us seek you and your Kingdom in all we do. Amen.
WEEKLY SERIES
Holy Rhythms
DRAWING FROM THE WISDOM OF JEWISH TRADITION
Developing spiritual rhythms goes beyond what happens on a Sunday morning. Spend some time each week exploring the weekly focus as a way to deepen your connection with God through intentional spiritual practices.
OF COMMUNITY AND 03 RHYTHMS ABUNDANCE The Jewish Festival of Sukkot places a strong emphasis on community while remembering the abundance and provision of God's presence in our world. By building a three-sided shelter, called a Sukkah, Jews remember that they are dependent on God and that God is ultimately in control.
We can remember that in our practice this week.
READ
LISTEN
Deuteronomy 16:13–15
“Trust in God” by Elevation Worship
RHYTHMS: WEEKLY PRACTICES
WEEK 3
A stopping place, not a staying place. DO
1. First, reflect on where God has provided for you in the past. Are there moments or experiences that could only be attributed to God's faithfulness? How has God's provision taken you by surprise? What kind of ritual could help you remember that the next challenge you face is just a “stopping place,” not a “staying place?”
2. Next, consider where God might be inviting you into deeper trust right now. Is there a person or situation that you are worried about? Where do you need to experience God's provision?
3. Sukkot invites us to experience God's provision in community.
Individually or with your family, use the DYK scale, or create your own memorial table of loved ones and name what they left you that you are grateful for. Each day this week choose something that is a reason for joy. What little way can you practice joy over that gift?
PRAY
Generous Creator, thank you for your blessings that you give with boundless joy. Help us receive all you give with that same joy and in turn be generous with all we have. Thank you for the people in our lives and the communities that you've placed us in. Help us live in ways that show your abundant love to all we encounter. Amen.