Bless Rhythms are intentional practices designed to build community centered around rhythms of blessings.
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:25
The BLESS Acronym
- B – Bless
- L – Listen
- E – Eat
- S – Speak
- S – Sabbath
Bless
Pray for opportunities to be a practical and tangible blessing to others, whether financially or through acts of service. A tangible blessing could be a financial gift, a gift card, offering to pick up someone’s kids for a date night, buying movie tickets, or any sacrificial act.
Listen
Intentionally carve out time to listen to others and hear God speak through them. Listening to others allows us to hear God’s voice through their experiences and discern how we can offer support, truth or just… be present. Sp invite the person to coffee, return or make that phone call, read that long text and let them do most of the talking.
Eat
Intentionally create time to fellowship around the table, inviting others for meals to foster deeper connections. Sharing meals together creates a relaxed environment for meaningful conversations and relationship building. This is the backdrop from many of the most meaningful moments in scripture. So fire up the grill, or go out to the restaurant that fits your budget and idea.
Speak
Intentionally speak truth and encouragement to others, sharing the good news of the gospel. Speaking truth can involve sharing words of encouragement, whether in person face to face, a phone call, sending a text message, engaging in conversations that uplift and inspire.
Sabbath
Incorporate a rhythm of resting in Jesus in all aspects of life.
Sabbathing involves intentionally setting aside time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with God, integrating this practice into the rhythm of daily life.
The “Who” of Blessed Rhythms
The intentionality of blessed rhythms centers on identifying who to bless. Consider four different quadrants when thinking about who to bless:
- Someone Not Like You
- Someone Like You
- Someone Not a Believer
- Someone a Believer
There is no particular order to this,
Not Like You
Engage with someone who is different from you in terms of ethnicity, style, or interests. As we seek to intentionally build relationships within Beloved, consider people who are NOT in your table groups, or unfamiliar with at church. This helps us see God and to learn from their unique perspectives and experiences.
Like You
Connect with someone with whom you share common interests, experiences, or backgrounds, especially someone within your existing table group. This involves using shared connections as a foundation for building deeper relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.
Not a Believer
Seek opportunities to bless someone who has not yet accepted Jesus as their king. Show them the blessings of the kingdom via relationship, Involve a prayer partner for accountability as you pray together that the lord might draw them to know Jesus. Invite them to your table groups or church when the time is right.
A Believer
Be intentional about blessing someone who is a believer, regardless of whether they attend your church or any church.This involves extending support and encouragement to fellow believers, whether they are part of your immediate church community or are in between churches.
Ongoing vs. Impromptu Blessings
Blessed rhythms can be:
- Ongoing: Established as regular practices.
- Impromptu: Inspired by in-the-moment opportunities.
Some rhythms may last for short periods, while others extend over a long period. It’s good to “play the long game” and build deeper relationships over time.