Doing a Five Minute Friday thing here right now, around the word “awake.”
[Go:]
Here I am at 2:15, awake. Husband got up for a bathroom call, then the bathroom called me, then I was awake (sorta).
So I thought, this is a good time to pray for people who are going through a tough time. Because, who knows, maybe they’re sitting up in the middle of the night, awake and grieving, or fighting worry, or in pain of some other kind.
And so I take a few quick moments to pray. But the moments grow larger, and I am starting to feel more awake. But it’s only 2:30, and I want to function in the real morning, so…
Off I traipse to tuck myself back into bed.
I lie there. My mind trails about, forms circular paths, starts revving higher, swirling more and more…
I’m awake!
I never intended this. I was all about God giving sleep to his beloved, and so receive that sleep. But I can’t do much about this awakeness. Except “redeem the time.”
Perfect time for reflective Bible reading. For contemplative and worshipful and intercessory prayer. Let me use my awake time well.
[Stop.]
Linked to…
What a great thought to use our awake time well! I certainly hope you also find some time for rest so your awake time be used just as well during the day as at night.
Just stopping over from The Gypsy Mama!
Thanks, Sarah (chuckle), I hope so, too. Maybe a nap in there somewhere? It’s beautiful with the falling snow outside my window now. Makes for a good prospective nap day. 😉
“Let me use my awake time well.” Great prayer, one I need to remember. Sorry you were up at 2:30, hope the rest of your day is just as good as your morning has started. Thanks for the post. ~Nita
Thank you, Nita. The rest of the day so far is lovely with chill and snow. We needed finally to get winter here. I could use a nap though! 😉
You’re a quilter, too? I’ll have to hop over to your website. Glad you stopped by here.
Hi,
What a wonderful way to spend your middle of the night awake time! I usually just lay there and worry and stare at the clock. Maybe you were praying for worriers like me;). Enjoyed this and will remember it next time I find myself up at night!
Beth
Hi Beth,
It’s a good thing to do while I’m wide awake like that, especially b/c the eyelids get droopy later! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Thank you for your sweet comments on my post. You can pray in your bed at 2:30am as well as being up. When sleep aludes me, I pray for my missionary friends – – and this is what I tell my girls – – “The devil doesn’t like you praying for missionaries so he will leave you alone and let you sleep.” Another good one is Tell the Lord to take care of all these people going through your mind because you are tired and need your rest. 🙂
Yes, Hazel, my husband does that, just lies there and prays. And I do sometimes. But I was already up on the bathroom call, and I like to have my Bible at hand lots of times when praying. And you’re right. That is a good time to pray for missionaries, especially those on the other side of the globe, going through their daytimes. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Dear Sylvia,
I love the idea that praying for missionaries on the other side of the globe is intercessing while they are going about their day. Powerful!
Thanks for your prayers,
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
Yes, I saw the vivid results of that the year my husband was in Africa (short-term trip) and I, back home, got up and prayed at night as well as other times, and journalled prayers as he journalled happenings and needs. It was sometimes astounding how God used those funny little well-timed prayers! We had no communication at the time, so, later, on comparing our journals, the simultaneousness amazed us.
I love this. Whenever I’m lying in bed – awake and unable to sleep – I like to “redeem” that time as well. Sometimes it turns into the most fruitful prayer times. Beautiful post.
Hi Denise,
So glad you stopped for a visit! Yes, those can’t-sleep times really can turn into some of the richest and most fruitful prayer times. Thank you, and God bless!