11/04/2025
HOW TO PLAN FOR THE SABBATH
How we prepare for the Sabbath today is based on principles found in the Bible. We can see how people learned from God’s instructions, and how they carried them out.
Here are areas that can be helpful to focus on during Sabbath preparation:
Plan to have Saturday as your day off from work
The Bible tells us to “do no work” on Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:14, NKJV).
And the “work” that takes up most of our days is our daily employment.
So, it’s important to plan to have Sabbath as our off day, from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (Leviticus 23:32).
This may be difficult for professionals like firefighters, or if you’re in the medical field. Even while keeping the Sabbath, you may need to be on call in case of emergencies.
But you can always set aside some time for meditation and private worship, even if you have to put in some time at a job like that.
The primary thing is to just do what you can to not end up treating the Sabbath like any other ordinary day. Keep it sacred, and have your thoughts turned toward God as much as possible. This is good for your mind and your body.
Encourage your family members and visitors to rest, too
The Sabbath Commandment to rest covers not only you, but also “your son… your daughter…or your resident who stays with you” (Deuteronomy 5:14, NASB).
If you are a parent, you can enjoy Sabbath with your children as well, teaching them the blessing God intended for us on this weekly day off. This may mean not going to work, school, or doing homework (which they will surely appreciate!).
And for visitors staying with you, you can help them prepare, too.
Without being overwhelming, you can talk to them about the benefits of Sabbath and why it’s important to you. You can explain how you want to share with them the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits as well.
What if you’re the only one in your household who believes in Sabbath observance?
If you’re the only Sabbath-keeper, or if you’re a visitor in a house that doesn’t keep the Sabbath, you don’t have to be worried. And you don’t have to try to get everyone to keep it with you.
Just explain yourself and prepare. Then go ahead and keep it in the most pleasant way possible, demonstrating how wonderful of a blessing it is.
Some people may not understand what Sabbath means for people today, but you can show them that it’s all about enjoying what God created for us and acknowledging His power and love.
Many people make it a point to go to church on Sabbath, just as Jesus and the apostles did. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet together, worship, pray, and study about God, our Creator.
When at home, many people take time to relax while reading the Bible, listening to Christian music, playing music, writing songs or poems, doing fun activities with the family, or taking a walk while praying.
Wherever you find yourself on Sabbath, you can honor God’s holy day.