By Rev. Sharon Campbell Rayment – Special to the Sydenham Current
I am writing this at 4 a.m. as I have had a sleepless night.
So, what do I do?
I open my computer and start to write you knowing that just about everyone has had a sleepless night sometime.
The frustration, the fears, the anxiety that arise as a result of a challenged world can create the angst of… “will I ever fall asleep?”
I wonder if Jesus ever spent a sleepless night?
With the pressures he experienced and the inevitable that was before him, I am sure he must have walked the floor in the wee hours while the disciples slept.
There are all sorts of things that can help you sleep.
Warm milk really can help with sleep as it has sleep promoting nutrients such as tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin. To be honest, I can’t get that down.
Finding a regular set bedtime and routine is helpful as well.
One problem Jesus didn’t have that challenges us now is the amount of screen time we have.
Cell phones, tablets, computers with bright lit backgrounds can affect our sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you should stop using electronic devices, at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
I will admit to pulling out my phone at 3 am to do a quick check or if I can’t sleep to pull up a book online.
That way I do not disturb my husband by turning on the light.
Yet rather than checking my phone I am developing the habit of prayer.
I do a five-finger prayer.
I begin with a thumbs up of a prayer of thanksgiving.
The simplest and greatest prayer we can say is “Thank you”.
I silently say three things I am thankful for.
As I pray this, I think of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (NIV)
I then go to my index finger that points to those closest to me, my family and friends.
I pray 3 John 2 “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you.” (NIV)
I then focus on my tallest finger and think of all of the great need in the world and pray for peace.
I pray for peace throughout the world and for our leaders for “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.”. (1 Philippians 4:7 ESV)
My ring finger is my weakest finger, and it reminds me to pray for those that are ill, facing challenges and need our prayers.
I recall James 5:15, “Prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well.”
My pinky finger I pray for myself knowing I depend on God in my life and pray for the strength and guidance I need.
I then end with, “I will to will your will Lord, not my own.”
I often recite 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given me a spirt of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (NLT)
I may be so overwhelmed and sleepless that I may just repeat Philippians 4:4-6 over and over again, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”. (NLT)
When you are having difficulty sleeping think of this 5-finger prayer.
You don’t have to do all of it.
I would suggest starting with thankfulness.
A thankful heart and mind will find rest and inner peace.
Until next time my friends remember every breath is a breath of God and connects us with All of My Relations United as One. One Breath ~ One Heartbeat ~ One Song.
