Missing Sundays

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One of the costs of working Sunday–Thursday is the loss of ‘that Sunday feeling’. Sundays usually involve preparing to go to church, to give myself out to God, to receive His love and lesson, and to see friends. It has been part of my life all my life, and despite still retaining 2 days off for the weekend, there is no substitute to church.

We can ‘watch’ the church service at home, but it is not the same. We can text friends or even schedule a call, but it is not the same. And this loss changes the whole experience of the weekend.



A weekly church service lends the unique and necessary invitation to give out to God – praise, requests, needs. This externalising alters the soul and aligns us back with faith in the nature and greatness of God. And it is not easy to do all this from the living room! There is something about coming together with others to share songs of love and faith to God. As you join in the song, you are swept into the greater experience. Singing and praying alone at home still enables that wonderful freedom and filling of the Holy Spirit, but it is different. And it depends on you alone to make the decision to take the time, whereas attending church is a routine. It does not require willpower.

Also, the normal Sunday church experience includes receiving from God fresh inspiration and instruction. There is a moment within that shared experience to engage with God and one another, and it is precious. There is a spiritual warmth about knowing and trusting people sitting nearby, and hearing together something from the Word, and responding together.

The loss of Sundays (well, regular church engagement) over time creates a tangible soul gap. Cumulative losses of these regular experiences empties my soul’s tank of goodness and joy. I find myself feeling empty much more often, and while many things can contribute, the loss of these times with God at church is a primary contributor.

It is one of the costs of choosing to work abroad – the regular routine is broken and loss and lack result. In this case, God is still obtainable! He is not only to be found on Sunday in a church building, but all day, every day, everywhere, however the rhythm of the Sunday service has been a very helpful and important part of my life. It takes a little more effort, and requires a little more willpower than before. 

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