7 Sacred Pauses

In an attempt to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thes. 5:17), and to experience the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7), we are observing the Seven Sacred Pauses. We will stop to pray, and to reflect at each of these hours: 

6:00 AM - The Awakening Hour

"Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalm 90:14)

Theme: Christ's resurrection, new life, God's love

Readings: Psalms 19, 95, 147, Lamentations: 3:22-23

9:00 AM - The Blessing Hour

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands." (
Psalm 90:17)

Theme: God's blessing upon our work. 

Readings: Psalms 67, 84, 121

12:00 PM - The Illumination Hour

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Mat. 5:14)

Theme: Christ on the cross, shining as light in darkness

Readings: Psalms 24, 33, 34

3:00 PM - The Wisdom Hour

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)

Theme: Christ's death, surrender, forgiveness, wisdom, brevity of life

Readings: Psalms 71, 90, 138

6:00 PM - The Twilight Hour

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5:18)

Theme: gratitude, serenity 

Readings: Psalms 34, 139, 145

9:00 PM - The Great Silence

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,” (Psalms 92:1–2)

Theme: reflection, confession, thanksgiving

Readings:  Psalms 23, 91, 134

12:00 AM* - The Night Watch

*Modify per sleep schedule (late evening or early morning). 

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”
(Psalms 130:5–6)

Theme: Jesus in Gethsemane, intercession for helpless and vulnerable, waiting on the Lord

Readings: Psalms 42, 63, 119:145-152