Welcome to a time of peace and rest.

Tonight I'm going to read to you from the prophet Isaiah.

When Isaiah first spoke these words, he was speaking to God's people at a particularly

difficult moment.

They needed hope.

They were hurt and confused.

They had seen their homes and their land destroyed,

and they wondered if they would ever again have a safe, peaceful home,

a home that would endure.

In Isaiah 25 and 26, Isaiah sees a vision of cosmic peace, a future in which God restores the whole world and brings his peace, his

shalom, to earth.

Tonight, we'll let Isaiah's peaceful vision guide us into deep, refreshing, restorative rest,

as we imagine what our forever home might be like.

But before we begin, take a moment to get cozy. Adjust the lights, stretch out, or

curl up, and let the day's worries or thoughts of work still to be done drift away. Get your

blankets just right and let your head sink softly into your pillow.

The Lord your God is with you and promises to watch over you as you sleep tonight.

As you lay in comfort, take a few moments to relax each part of your body.

Begin with your feet.

Focus on each toe.

Softening and relaxing as you slow your breath.

Then focus your attention on your ankles and calves, knees and thighs.

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