A Sabbath day for every stage of life.
A Sabbath day can look wonderfully different depending on one’s season of life. At every stage, whether single, parenting little ones, raising teens, or in later adulthood, the heart of Sabbath remains the same: rest, delight, worship, and renewal in God’s presence.
Sabbath for Young Adults and Singles
Focus on simplicity and stillness. Start the Sabbath with a slow morning like sleep in, pray, and read Scripture aloud. Spend part of the day outdoors (a nature walk, journaling in a garden, or photography) and disconnect from technology entirely. Consider sharing an evening meal with friends or joining a worship group to close the day in community.
Sabbath for Families with Young Children
Create special family rituals of joy and wonder. Begin with a Friday evening candlelit dinner or bonfire to mark the start. In the day, enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities like hiking, walking the beach, or collecting leaves to make gratitude crafts. Read a kid friendly devotional or scripture together, listen to worship music. Consider journaling or drawing as a reflection of the devotional or about God.
Sabbath for Families with Teens
Invite teens into Sabbath ownership through active participation. Start with a relaxed family breakfast and Scripture discussion, then do something together like hiking/biking, cooking a favorite meal, or a creative “tech-free challenge.” Encourage moments of solitude too—music, journaling, or prayer walks—honoring both connection and independence.
Sabbath for Midlife Adults
In this season, a Sabbath may center on recalibration and gratitude. Begin with prayer, worship, or journaling things that make you grateful. Enjoy slow food, a nap, getting outdoors, or reading. Make time for marriage or friendship renewal through meaningful conversation, walks, or sabbath hospitality that nurtures others at an unhurried pace.
Sabbath for Empty Nesters or Older Adults
Focus on deep rest and reflection. Begin with Scripture meditation, followed by time in prayer or quiet service (like visiting neighbors or writing encouragement cards). Reflect on God’s faithfulness by looking through old photos or family memories. Finish with a peaceful walk or time of gratitude and worship singing to close the day.
Need some Sabbath Suggestions?
This breakdown helps make the Sabbath a meaningful experience for every season of life, allowing everyone to connect to the rhythm of rest, worship, and renewal.
Young Adults or Singles
- Start slow: Sleep in, pray, and read Scripture aloud in the morning.
- Disconnect from tech: Spend time outdoors with a nature walk, journaling, or photography.
- Engage in community: Share an evening meal with friends or join a worship group to end the day.
Families with Young Children
- Create family rituals: Start with a Friday evening candlelit dinner or a bonfire to mark the beginning.
- Outdoor fun: Go on a nature walk, hike, or collect leaves to make gratitude crafts.
- Devotional time: Read a kid-friendly devotional or Scripture, and enjoy worship music together.
- Creative reflection: Encourage journaling or drawing as a way to reflect on the devotional.
Families with Teens
- Engage in Sabbath ownership: Involve teens in planning activities and discussions.
- Start with a family breakfast: Have a relaxed morning with Scripture discussion.
- Active time: Go for a hike or bike ride, or enjoy cooking a favorite meal together.
- Tech-free challenge: Try a day without screens and encourage creative solitude through music or journaling.
Midlife Adults
- Center on recalibration: Begin the day with prayer, worship, or gratitude journaling.
- Slow down: Enjoy slow meals, take a nap, or spend time outdoors reading.
- Renew relationships: Set aside time for meaningful conversation with your spouse or friends.
- Offer Sabbath hospitality: Share a meal or invite someone to your home for a restful time together.
Empty Nesters or Older Adults
- Deep rest and reflection: Start with Scripture meditation, prayer, or quiet service like writing encouragement cards.
- Memory time: Reflect on God’s faithfulness by looking through old photos or family memories.
- Enjoy nature: Take a peaceful walk or simply sit in the quiet to reflect and worship.
- Close with gratitude: End the day with a time of worship or singing to acknowledge God’s presence.
A Call to Embrace the Sabbath
Each expression of Sabbath will differ, yet all share a rhythm of stopping, resting, delighting, and worshipping, a pattern meant to refresh both body and spirit at every age and stage of life.
Written by JoAnn Johnson
JoAnn Johnson is the Lead Pastor at Newbreak Church. JoAnn and her husband, Eric, love San Diego and exploring all the great beaches with their two boys and dogs. Prior to serving at Newbreak she worked with the SoCal Network of the Assemblies of God providing leadership and training for hundreds of churches and pastors. She is excited for the future of Newbreak Church, as we continue to develop leaders who change their communities.