SoulWork NotesThis month we are in a series called, Sabbath Invitation. We will be looking at Sabbath through the story of the crippled women found in Luke 13:10-17. This week, our sabbath invitation is Unburden. Breath Prayer Inhale: God I come to you Exhale: With all I am carrying Opening Prayer Gracious God, We come today with all our burdens Those we’ve been carrying for a little while And those we have been carrying so long They have become part of us Help us to hear your voice And learn to unburdened those things That come between where we are and where you desire we be In Jesus’ name, Amen. Text On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. -Luke 13:10-11 Key Takeaways Through the crippled woman story we learn: Strongholds skew our posture. Strongholds skew our perspective. Strongholds skew our progress. Although her life was skewed by an 18-year stronghold, she was not without hope. She showed up at the synagogue. She may not have even notice Jesus’ feet. She may not have been like the woman with the issue of blood, straining to touch the hem of his garment. She may not have been like Mary, getting her healing at the feet of Jesus. She may have just seen another pair of feet like all the other feet she had seen in the past 18 years. She may have missed Jesus sitting right there in her presence. She was in the presence of God and probably didn’t know it. However, she showed up. Sometimes, that is all we can do - come to the place of worship. Sometimes, we can only get to our position to serve or get to our favorite pew. Sometimes, all we can do is come. Sometimes, all we can do is show up. Guess what, sometimes, that is all God needs - for us to shuffle along until we show up where he needs us to show up. SoulWork Consider the following questions during your quiet time or in your journaling. What stronghold have been carrying? How has that stronghold skewed your posture, perspective, and or vision? Where is God asking you to show up? What would life look like if you showed up where God is waiting? SoulWork for Writers As one called to serve others through writing, sit with your answers to our SoulWork questions. Then, ask, what can you say to encourage you audience to address their strongholds. Don’t worry about the final product, just allow God to speak to you on their behalf through your writing. Then, when you are led, shape the message into a final form - blog post, word of proclamation, book, etc. Then, when you are led, share the message. Closing Blessing Prayer May you always be aware of God’s presence and goodness. May you never forget God’s faithfulness. May you trust in the God who loves you and longs to lift the burdens you carry. May your heart stay connected to the one who grace is greater than any stronghold May you ever see your lift through the lens of God’s love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Go Deeper: Notes for the Journey If you desire to go deeper this week, I invite you to join my newsletter, Notes for the Journey. Subscribers receive additional resources—guided reflections, Scripture, and practices that are not shared on the podcast or in these notes. It’s a quiet space to continue this work with God, slowly and prayerfully, throughout the week. [Join here] If you’d like to help sustain this work, you’re welcome to support it here. Until next time, may God bless and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you, and may God grant you peace as you continue your SoulWork. Disclaimer: The content shared on the SoulWork Sanctuary podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. While I am an ordained minister and trained spiritual director, I am not a licensed therapist or medical professional. This podcast does not provide medical or mental health advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional care. Please seek support from a qualified provider if needed.
