This Thursday day is ending.
The sun has set and the world grows quiet.
The noise and busyness of the day are behind you now.
This is your time to rest,
To breathe,
To be still in the presence of God.
Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out.
Feel the rhythm of your breath like the gentle tide washing in and out.
You are safe,
You are loved,
You are here in this moment.
Imagine yourself standing on a sandy beach at night.
The moon glows above you,
Casting silver light across the waves.
Each wave rolls in and then pulls back,
Steady and calming.
The cool night air brushes your skin,
Carrying the scent of salt and ocean.
You begin to walk slowly,
Peacefully along the water's edge.
As you walk,
You hear the whisper of scripture in your heart.
Peace,
I leave with you.
My peace,
I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The sand is soft beneath your feet.
The water rises just enough to kiss your toes,
Then drifts back again,
Leaving behind tiny patterns in the sand.
The night sky above you sparkles with countless stars,
Each one reminding you of God's promises,
Faithful and changing,
Everlasting.
With every step,
You let go of the weight you carried today.
Your worries,
Your questions,
Your to-do lists,
All of it drifts away like footprints being washed smooth by the waves.
You no longer need to hold it.
You can trust God with it all.
You pause for a moment,
Standing still.
The ocean stretches endlessly before you,
A reminder of God's vast love,
Wider,
Deeper,
Greater than you can measure.
He surrounds you.
He covers you.
He holds you.
Now you find a place to sit on the sand.
The sound of the waves is your lullaby.
The moonlight is your blanket.
And God is your refuge,
Your shelter,
Your rest.
Hear these words as you prepare for sleep.
In peace,
I will lie down and sleep.
For you alone,
Lord,
Make me dwell in safety.
Let your eyes grow heavy,
Let your body relax,
And let your spirit sink into God's peace.
This day is ending,
But tomorrow will have its own light,
Its own strength.
But tonight,
You can let go.
You can rest in the arms of the one who never leaves you.
Sleep now,
Beloved child of God.
Sleep in peace.
Sleep in his presence.
Good night.
