Three Prayers for Sleep and Waking explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Spiritual Peace and Rest

  The entire chapter is a prayer for sleep and waking, emphasizing surrender of worry and finding rest in God.

• Faith and Doubt

  The prayers express trust in divine care during vulnerable times of sleep and uncertainty.

Characters to notice

• Unknown

  The speaker of the prayers, addressing God and the reader in a universal voice of devotion.

• Jesus

  Implied as the divine listener and source of peace, rest, and guidance throughout the prayers.

Key passages

• “Put off worry and distress As thou puttest off thy dress: Drop thy burden and thy care In the quiet arms of prayer.”

  Let go of anxiety and sorrow as you would remove your clothing; release your troubles into the peaceful embrace of prayer.

  A metaphor for shedding daily burdens before sleep.

• “If slumber should forsake Thy pillow in the dark, Fret not thyself to mark How long thou liest awake.”

  If you cannot sleep in the darkness, do not worry about how long you have been awake.

  Advice against anxiety during insomnia.

• “Lord, the newness of this day Calls me to an untried way: Let me gladly take the road, Give me strength to bear my load.”

  Lord, this fresh day invites me onto an unknown path; help me to walk it joyfully and give me strength for my responsibilities.

  A morning prayer for guidance and strength.