Thursday, November 08, 2007

Sleeplessness and prayer

I've not been able to sleep the past two nights due to an excess of pain. I have chronic bursitis in both hips and since I lay on my side when sleeping, it's been a struggle to find a comfortable position. One thing I've found, though, is what a comfort and joy it is to be in prayer during these long, cold, dark nights. I feel such a sense of peace and rest when I am speaking to my Heavenly Father during these times!

I’ve taken scripture to heart and think of all the things He has blessed me (and those I love) with when I’m praying during these times. Then I try to focus on praying for the many who are suffering pain, ill health, sorrow and, in particular, those who are dying. It's amazing, first of all, how my perspective changes from "oh, poor me" to a much brighter, joyous, Christ-filled view. I’ve found this is one of the practical blessings we get from practicing the scripture that says, "Give thanks in all things"! Also, the time flies by when I’m focused on Christ and those who are going through various disciplines! J

To my shame, I haven’t been praying as much as I should have been these past few years. My eyes were on all the things I was struggling with instead of on my Lord. Yet spending these difficult, pain-filled yet oh, so blesséd nights in prayer has helped me understand the verse, “The joy of the Lord will be my strength”, practically! How wonderful our God is to help me to see this, in these particular circumstances.