Presence

My soul longs for your presence, Lord. You, who satisfy the desire of every living thing, please satisfy me during this time of prayer. (Psalm 145:16).

Scripture Reading

Psalm 3:5 NRSVue

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.

Reflection

There is nothing as restorative as a good night’s sleep. As we sleep, our bodies mend. Our minds shuffle through the happenings of the day and find solutions. Our batteries recharge. And when we wake, we begin a new day. As I lie down to sleep tonight, I will give thanks for 10 things that happened during the day. Perhaps the bus came on time or I found a parking space or I remembered to water the plants. Then, when I wake in the morning, first thing, I will give thanks for the new day, choosing to meet it with an open mind and heart, thus bookending my day with gratitude. 

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful gift of sleep. I give thanks that I have a bed to sleep in, and a safe place to rest. I thank you for good sleep. And if I don’t sleep well, I ask you to restore this to me, and to heal me of whatever prevents me from getting a good night’s rest. I offer the trial of sleeplessness and other nighttime trials to you and ask you to bless others who have nowhere safe or warm or comfortable to sleep, those who can’t sleep, those who are afraid, sick or suffering, and those who serve us by working at night.  Amen.