Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Praying the Alphabet

As waxing moon
Slips listlessly across
The night sky

Playing hide and seek
With cirrus
I smile

From my wide eyed
Restless cradle
I pray for you
{Linda O'Rourke, 2014}

Waxing Gibbous by photosbynicolelynn on etsy

Some nights I just can't sleep. I know full well how important it is to my health, but occasionally it simply eludes me. I'm certain worry and anxiety have come into play, but I like to consider worry a reminder to pray. So last night as I watched the moon cross the sky through my open window I talked to my Abba Father. 

In a recent devotional the writer suggested that on those sleepless nights they pray the alphabet. From A to Z bringing to God all their loved ones, all the concerns and praises. As I myself have learned to do this it has brought me great comfort.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. -- Matthew 11:28




Here in the Pacific Northwest summer doesn't really start until after July fourth, so any night or day without full cloud cover in June is a special bonus. I've enjoyed many of both this year.

May your nights be sweet and rest filled and may your days be sunny and fruitful.
Linda <><


9 comments:

  1. I LOVE this! I had never thought of praying the alphabet. It's been awhile since i've had trouble falling asleep, but i would stay in prayerful meditation with our Shepherd. A lot of times, that's when i WOULD here Him & shortly after would fall asleep. I always felt like those nights were after days, when i wasn't listening.

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  2. A very good reminder.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Carla

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  3. I should have tried that when I couldn't sleep last night.

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  4. What a great idea! I'm going to try that the next time I can't sleep.

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  5. This is a great idea. Better than counting sheep. If I can't sleep I try lying as still as a board and not moving a muscle. If that doesn't work I give up and Listen to a podcast. Chuck missler never fails to put me to sleep

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    1. I have practiced relaxing every part of my body starting with my toes and consciously relaxing all the way to the top of my head. We do it in my exercise class sometimes and is really nice on those nights when I feel like I've had to much caffeine the day before(I don't drink coffee or coke, just an occasional green tea)

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  6. What a great idea! I'm going to try and remember to do this next time I have a sleepless night.

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  7. I like that plan. Does concentrating on what letter comes next, keep you awake?

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    1. It's actually restful, except for feeling guilty for not getting past 'a' or 'b' many times:-)

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