Each week, after I write the main post, a few days later, I send an accompanying prayer related to the topic. I am doing in this in part for me: I always am on the hunt for more written prayers. I use written prayers often in my work to pray for larger groups, but I also love written prayers for my personal piety. Sometimes it is nice when I do not have the words to use someone else’s.
The below prayer is in response to my latest post on the three questions I ask my kids before bedtime.
Gracious God, God who is both so huge and so subtle at the same time,
I lie in bed grateful for all that I have: plush, comfortable sheets that envelope me; air that is the optimal temperature thanks to a great HVAC system and enough money to pay the power bill; people who care for me.
Tonight is one of those nights when I know I need sleep, but my mind will not turn off.
Thoughts of what I should have done differently today keep playing: how I should have said something else, how I regret how I responded, how my expression might have been misconstrued.
Thoughts of what I need to do tomorrow overwhelm me; the to-do list is so long.
The house is quiet and still; only I am awake.
I have tossed and turned for minutes—or is it hours? It is hard for me to tell.
Give me rest, dear Lord. Please calm my racing thoughts and heartbeat. Remind me that everything can wait until tomorrow. Help me surrender to recognition that today is done, and I gave it my best. Hold me as you always do.
You will keep watch right now, so I do not have to. Amen.