Pause: A Month of Peace in Five Minutes a Dayनमुना

Proclaim

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)

Prompt

How have you been sleeping lately?

Sleep is critical. It’s a life requirement.

You can’t live without sleep, even though someone tried for a while—they lasted just over eleven days and set a world record.

That sounds insane to me! I’m a wreck after one all-nighter or overseas flight. I can’t imagine who I would be after eleven days!

Sleep is a tangible act of transcendent peace. Even if you’re only getting a couple of hours each night, even if your sleep is troubled by nightmares or some other disruption, every time you sleep, you are practicing peace.

Perhaps you can practice resting in God’s peace a little longer the next time you lie down.

One way that’s helped me fall into God’s peace before I completely fall asleep is the 4-7-8 breathing technique, with a slight “LL” modification. Let’s practice it!

Prod

Close your mouth and quietly inhale through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your mouth, whisper “God, I trust you” for a count of eight. Repeat the process three more times for a total of four breath cycles.

Praise

Listen to “Hosanna” by The Belonging Co.

Pray

Jesus, I thank you for the gift of sleep. Thank you for providing for me wherever I have lacked, including in my sleep. Guard my sleeping and guard my waking. Amen.