The 'Call to Prayer' that inspired this devo.
"We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored." 2 Corinthians 13:9
I first encountered The Angelus by Jean-Francois Millet in an ArtWay devotional twenty days before my twenty year position with one company came to an end. The painting depicts two peasants in a field with heads bowed in response to bells that have tolled out a daily reminder to cease work and pray.
Excerpts from my journal recount my response. “I am struck by the timing of receiving this devotional… The connection seems apparent to my life stage as I believe God has intervened – the bells are ringing – and my work is ending. But there is a deeper application as well. By taking a health Sabbatical I am setting aside not just my basket but my garden hoe, my pitchfork, my watering can. I am making a commitment to not working for the purpose of healing, strengthening, discovering, reacquainting myself with God, myself and others.”
“Stopping work to pray when the bells ring is a very intentional act…I want to enter this time with a posture of openness and expectation, not loss and sorrow. In faith, I rest. I choose to believe that the One who has sounded the bell to end my work is also the One who will give direction, provisions and new opportunities. I will stop and pray and wait.”
For two years the Lord has led me beside still waters and has renewed my soul. Will you rest and allow God to refresh you?
Lord, in the quiet, You speak. Please calm my busy mind, still my rushing spirit and soothe my anxious heart so I may rest today. Amen.
Take Action
Find a space in your day to quit all activity and simply be.