When we receive an invitation in the mail, it may include phrases like “Join us,” “Celebrate with us,” or “Let’s Gather Together.” Some invitations are handwritten, while others are extravagant and beautiful. Regardless of their appearance, we check the calendar, respond with our RSVP, and look forward to sharing the celebration with family and friends.
However, when we get an invitation, we have been asked to come and join others for a special occasion. Will we accept the invitation? Will we rearrange our schedule to make time for it?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
- Matthew 11:28-29
During this time, Jesus is teaching and preaching throughout the region of the Sea of Galilee (Matt. 11:1). Matthew highlights various aspects of Jesus’ ministry. At the end of chapter 11, I can envision Jesus looking at the people surrounding Him with tender and compassionate eyes as He extends a remarkable invitation to them.
The Invitation: Come to Me — All of You
In these verses, Jesus invites His precious followers to come to Him. Can you imagine His face and hear His voice? He asks, “Are you weary? Are your burdens too heavy?” Because He is all-knowing, Jesus knew that these individuals were tired. He fully understood that each carried burdens far greater than they could bear.
His Promise: I Will Give You Rest
Jesus called people to a new way of life. The religious leaders of that time imposed heavy burdens and strict requirements on the people to fulfill the Law. Jesus came to provide life—abundant life—and liberation from the exhausting strain that no one could ever accomplish.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
- John 14:6
His Pledge: I Will Teach You
As human beings, we inevitably grow tired and weary in this life. Jesus invites us to take up His yoke and listen to His teachings. God’s inspired Word is available for us to read and study. We can access various sermons, devotional podcasts, and blogs to learn more about the Lord. Jesus invites us to learn from Him – the Written Word and the Holy Spirit.
To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.
- Matthew 13:12
His Affirmation: I am Humble and Gentle
Jesus waits for us to come to Him. He is not a dictator and does not force His teaching on us. Jesus is respectful and courteous, kind, compassionate, and tender. He extends His care and concern to us because He knows everything about us.
His Pledge: Rest for Your Souls
He invites us to travel the godly path. Walk in it, and your soul will find rest.
The Lord says this: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”
- Jeremiah 6:16
Head to Heart
Turning to God's Word is comforting when I feel overwhelmed, stressed, or weary. I recently started practicing Breath Prayers during my quiet time with the Lord. My focus shifts from my circumstances to Bible verses and God’s promises.
Breath prayers are brief prayers recited in harmony with inhaling and exhaling your breath. They provide a way to pray anywhere, anytime, while connecting with God.
Below are three sets of Breath Prayers for you to practice with today’s verses:
Inhale breath: Jesus invites me to “Come.”
Exhale breath: He promises, “I will give you rest.”
Inhale breath: Jesus said, “I will teach you.”
Exhale breath: Jesus gives, “Rest for my soul.”
Inhale breath: Lord, I give my burdens to You.
Exhale breath: I believe You will give me rest.