FeastingThe Yearly Rhythm of Pilgrim Feast Reflection Guide
ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER IN A PILGRIM FEAST
A vision for a pilgrim feast leaves lots of flexibility as to details, but here are some elements worth considering:
• A Special Place: What kind of places help you feel especially “away” and unburdened?
• Relationships: What relationships might you prioritize to especially grow and nurture?
• Time Outdoors: What experiences in nature help you feel near to God?
• Favorite Food and Drinks: God directed His people to use money they’d set aside to buy their favorite foods and drinks to celebrate with feasting (Deut. 14:2226). What are yours?
• Physical Activity: What physical activities might you especially enjoy?
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
• Music: How might you weave music into your time away?
• Sleep: Might it be worth prioritizing good sleep during your time away?
• Tech Boundaries: How can you minimize — or avoid altogether — email, social media, news and other stimulants that undermine calm, gratefulness and refreshment?
• Length. Recent research suggests that time away equal to the length of a biblical pilgrim feast may provide the ideal restorative experience for most people — peaking at day 8. So consider aiming for at least one full week, including the weekends on both sides.
Before answering these questions, pause and ask God, “How would You desire to restore my/our soul(s) through a pilgrim feast this year?
1. Were you familiar with the idea of pilgrim feast? What thoughts/feelings arise as you consider it?
2. How might it change your view of a vacation to believe that God invites you into it as an expression of His desire to “restore your soul”? How might you engage that time differently?
3. Is there anything that seems especially exciting about planning you own pilgrim feast this year? Anything that feels particularly daunting?
4. If you’re willing to receive this invitation, what will your first action step toward planning a pilgrim feast this year?