Meditation to Welcome Shabbat

Welcome. Take a moment to get comfortable, whether sitting or lying down. Focus on your breath and your your body. Allow yourself to relax, to inhale (one-two-three) and exhale (three-two-one) as you settle into place.

We’ve joined to share Friday night together, to transition from the hectic demands of work and our daily routines into the rest and relaxation of Shabbat. You are invited to leave the week behind.

Let go of what has been, let go of what will be, and enter a place of stillness, a sacred space and time. Envision the sun beginning to set, slipping behind the horizon out of view. Breathe in the glow of the sunset, and pause, breathe out the stresses of the week; breathe in the calm of nightfall, and pause, breathe out and feel a sense of release. Breathe in the radiance of the moon and stars, and pause, breathe out all thoughts of doing, and become one with this present moment.

Feel the warmth of relaxation wash over you. Breathe in the radiant light, and pause, feel your mind become open and free. Breathe out and invite your soul to soar to new heights; breathe in the calm, and pause, feel yourself let go; breathe out everything and focus only on Now. Feel your body, mind, and soul become whole and at peace.

Now we are finally ready, to graciously accept this present, to embrace the gift of rest, to turn our complete attention toward Shabbat, to savor all that Shabbat provides, and become enveloped by holiness. As we breathe in and out once more, we pause, and welcome Shabbat.