Tongue-tied - As I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Tongue-Tied - As I Lay Me Down to Sleep

As I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Guard me, Jesus, through the night

And wake me with the morning light. Amen.

I’M NOT SURE how old I was when my parents taught me this bedtime prayer. I must have been very young, because I don’t remember a night when I didn’t recite it. Only after I accepted Christ at the age of ten did I begin to augment my rote prayer with more personal requests, notes of thanksgiving, and specific prayers for my friends, family, and world peace—I longed for the Vietnam War to end.

I am a communicator, especially with my family. I love to talk, but when it comes to my kids, I really love to listen. Just as I love to communicate with them, I also long for my quality visits with God. Most of the time, I’m in constant communication with him. The concept of praying without ceasing is part of who I am. But when I get distracted with life and stressed with work or family, I often find myself having superficial rather than meaningful conversations with him.

When these seasons visit, I turn back to my precious bedtime prayer. My big-girl version goes like this:

Father, I lie in this bed in need of a restful night, but I know that even as I drift off, I will most likely awaken at 3:00 a.m.

I am worried. Are you there?

Stay with me tonight and protect me from my own negative thoughts. Provide me direction and the wisdom to discern your will over my own.

Tomorrow will be a new day, with both new challenges and new blessings. Remind me not to take either the lessons you strive to teach me or the gifts you have given me for granted.

Thank you for the promise of tomorrow and your direction. In the name of your Son, Christ Jesus. Amen.

I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (Psalm 16:7-8)

As I lay me down to sleep . . .