Rest as spiritual practice

“I slept through the night!” That was my text this morning to my girls and my dear (sleep-challenged) friend who has been praying along with me for better sleep. Since the pandemic, and exacerbated by the time change, I have had disrupted sleep and longed to have a full night without waking up multiple times. So, this morning brought a joyous text and gratitude.

When our days were boundaried by the rising and setting of the sun, the rhythm of rest flowed naturally. But with the advent of electricity, the internet and the smartphone, night is the same as day and productivity rules. The boundaries given to us by God can be resisted and finitude and limits can be dismissed. Even when we do not want to resist rest, our bodies may struggle for release to the sleep it requires for health and good functioning. Our bodily limits are the chief daily reminder that we are but dust. We inhabit a frail, vulnerable humanity., and many things interfere with our enjoying proper rest.

Each night when we yield to sleep, we practice letting go of our reliance on self-effort and abiding in the good grace of our Creator. While we sleep, God is at work forming and transforming his people, and accomplishing his work in the world, his world. HE is the mover and maker of our lives and spiritual health. When we do not sleep, we recognize how essential it is to our well-being. Resting, sleeping, slowing down are all Sabbath, indicators that we recognize that we are finite, weak creatures who are abundantly cared for by our strong and loving Creator.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping;
That awake we may watch with Christ,
And asleep we may rest in peace.
Amen.
(From Book of Common Prayer)

Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation