a lenten blessing for when you can’t sleep

Oh God, again I lie here awake, too tired for sleep to come.

How will I ever get through tomorrow?

Oh God, bring peace to my mind and body,

and blanket me in the heaviness of sweet natural sleep.

God have mercy

Christ have mercy

Spirit have mercy

Blessed are we, still awake in night’s dark hours

who say, o God, help me! you know what state I am in.

my mind is a runaway train,

and my body captive.

you know all that troubles me.

take hold of me.

Slow the beating of my heart.

Breathe comfort through the whole of my being,

and wrap me in the secure knowledge of Your love.

Show me what to do.

Blessed are we who wait in the silence,

who remember that darkness is not dark to You,

who pray, o God:

receive me, gather me,  strengthen me, sustain me.

and grant me freedom to tell you everything.

Blessed are we who listen in the quiet,

for You to breathe life into all that is spent and gone,

filling mind and soul and body with hope,

and the beauty of Your peace that passes all understanding,

gentle as the dawn.

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

Psalm 116:7

God have mercy

Christ have mercy

Spirit have mercy

Welcome one sweet thought. Follow it, until it grows into genuine gratitude. Rest there.

Now guide me waking, O Lord, and guard me sleeping; that awake I may watch with Christ, and asleep, I may rest in peace. Amen.