Praying for Safety and Sleep

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, August 16, 2015

Praying for Safety and Sleep

As I read and prayed through the Evening Prayers from http://www.dailyoffice.org this evening, a verse from the Psalm made me come to a complete stop. I sat and stared at this verse from Psalm 4, wishing with all my heart that it could be true for me. True for me tonight, and most nights, for that matter.

“I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; *for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

I haven’t been getting very much sleep lately. At the risk of Too Much Information, my husband and I don’t have any air conditioning in our apartment. Yes, I grew up in Chicago. Yes, I know that the Chicago area gets uncomfortably hot on frequent occasions in the summer. And lastly, I know this fitful sleep at night is due—in great part—to the heat and humidity.

But, I can still wish, can’t I?

The second thought that came to me is that of a week-long seminar I attended in July, where I had the joy of learning from a pre-eminent biblical scholar, Dr. Ken Bailey. Ken taught on the Shepherd passages from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. This verse reminds me so strongly of Psalm 23, and what King David had to say about the sheep under his care.

Psalm 4 is also a Psalm of David. And, it also deals with challenging circumstances. David knew what he was talking about, that was sure! I don’t think God would leave David high and dry. I don’t mean for anyone to think the less of themselves, just in case God seems like God is leaving you high and dry! (God forbid.)

However, I know the feeling, let me say. I have felt that God has left me alone, all by myself, with no one to help me. It was real. And, I felt that way a number of times, over the years. Thank God I don’t feel like that right now. Instead, I feel a strong connection with God now. And, I can affirm, amen!

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, thank You for watching out for King David. Thank You for caring for him and his friends, all during that wandering in the wilderness, running from King Saul for years. Thank You for caring for me, all during the times of uncertain employment and unemployment, no health insurance, and the extended health problems of my loved ones. And, I pray that You might give encouragement and support to anyone reading this post today. Touch each person. Help them know that You love each one! And, You will never leave them, never forsake them. Never, ever. Thank You, Lord!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Praying, Giving My Cares to God

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, August 15, 2015

Praying, Giving My Cares to God

from http://www.dailyoffice.org

As I finish praying the Evening Prayers tonight, I come to this antiphon (or, conclusion for this part of the service). “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” This antiphon is repeated twice, near the end of the Evening Prayers.

One thing I’ve noticed over the past couple of decades of bible reading and study: if any word, phrase or sentence is repeated, it’s usually important to someone, for something in particular.

Okay. I went to what is quickly becoming my go-to source for finding out more about Evening Prayer (or, Compline): the website for the Church of England (see below, in the footnote). Behold!

“The service concludes with
¶ a calling on God for protection through the coming night
¶ a simple blessing “ [1]

So, my part in this antiphon is as follows. First, I pray that, when awake, I may watch with Christ. I wouldn’t want to get caught sleeping, like the three disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. Then, I need to watch with Christ. Watch like a watchman on the city walls or at the gates.

Second, when I sleep (NOT if, but WHEN), I am to rest peacefully. That’s quietly. “Rest in peace.” That is what is commonly said about people, after they die. In all truthfulness, people are often tied in knots of worry, anxiety and despair. But, Jesus says this is not the way to deal with life. Or, rather, to hide from life. Instead, we are to trust God to take away our worry, anxiety and despair. Jesus can handle it

Thanks, Lord, for this deep, heartfelt reminder. Help me to follow You, on a regular basis. And, not just when my tendency is to ignore You. Alleluia, amen!

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Visit the website http://dailyoffice.org/ to find out more about Morning and Evening Prayer!

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/daily2/night/introstructurenotes.aspx