Restoring the Soul | Monday Invocation
“God restores my soul. God leads me in right paths for God’s name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:3 NRSVUE
In her book Sacred Self-Care, Chanequa Walker-Barnes reminds us that tending to our own soul care, or spiritual wellness, is just one part of the wholeness we seek in life.
“A Self-Care Rule of Life, … is a pattern of activities, habits, disciplines, and practices that promote spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and relational wholeness. And while the risk of any ‘rule’ is that it can become a rigid, legalistic mandate, a Self-Care Rule of Life should instill a sense of freedom and well-being rather than obligation and stress.”
Nurturing our souls and spiritual wellness is vital to our lives. We are called to be intentional about how we make time for soul care. True soul care should be restorative, connecting you with the Divine, not just another checklist dictated by cultural norms.
Psalm 23:3 reminds us, “God restores my soul. God leads me in right paths for God’s name’s sake.” Restoring the soul is not about achieving spiritual perfection or having all the answers. It’s about making space to be still, to listen, and to receive the comfort God can offer.
This week, we invite you to practice restoring your soul. Each day, set aside a few moments for a spiritual practice that draws you closer to God. Use these questions as a guide:
Where have I felt spiritually dry or disconnected lately?
What spiritual practices help me feel God’s presence—prayer, music, time in nature, or something else?
How can I create space this week to simply be with God, without expectation or agenda?
As you reflect, consider making one small change to nurture your spiritual well-being. It could be lighting a candle for prayer, spending time in silence, reading a favorite scripture, or joining a supportive faith community. Allow yourself to rest in the knowledge that God delights in you and longs to restore your soul.
Remember, your soul is precious, your story is sacred, and you are always held in God’s loving embrace.
This series was Inspired by a Lenten sermon series led by QCF community member Rev. Tonetta Landis-Aina at The Table Church DC and the book Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves by Chanequa Walker-Barnes.
Sacred Self-Care was written as a 7-week Lenten devotional, but many of the principles can be explored year-round as we strive to make sure we are taking the time to care for ourselves. To help us expand the conversation, we have a weekly drop-in group where you can work on these practices in community.
Join us Wednesday nights at 7pm ET for a Sacred Self-Care Drop-In Group throughout the month of May. You can find more information and sign up at the link below!
