Rest — Strong’s G373 — anapauo 1 aorist ἀνεπαυσάμην; . . .to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength . . . to give rest, refresh; middle to give oneself rest, take rest.
Matthew 11:28-29 ESV – 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Mark 6:30-32 ESV – 30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
Father,
I still struggle with the belief (in practice now, if not in theory) that “rest” is akin to lazy; that “productive” is what matters. Psalm 119:29-31 ESV – 29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. 31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!
God, You are faithful to show me my blind spots, to correct my wrong thinking. I commit to believe You and to trust You. The rest You prescribe has purpose. The “rest” is to rejuvenate to return to the work. Unlike You, God, I do grow weary; I do become faint and fall exhausted (Isaiah 40). You provide rest because You know that I need rest.
1 Corinthians 2:11-13 ESV – 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit, for never leaving me alone. Thank You for Your faithfulness to change me. Psalm 119:5-7 ESV – 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
Pray for the Persecuted Church — OpenDoorsUSA
Day 3: Pray for the entire Christian community of
Pakistan, that they would be encouraged and kept
from exhaustion and despair.
Plea for Grace 
Help me practice rest, Lord.
it’s a lifelong plea for grace, isn’t it?