Welcome tonight.
This is a gentle Christian meditation for sleep.
And just softly,
Before we begin,
Let your body settle.
Let your shoulders drop.
Let your jaw unclench.
Let your hands rest.
Take a slow breath in,
And exhale gently.
Again,
Breathe in,
And breathe out.
Tonight,
There is nothing to force,
Nothing to prove,
Nothing to hold together.
Just rest here,
With God.
Our scripture tonight is from Psalm 4-8.
I will both lay me down in peace and sleep,
For thou,
Lord,
Only makest me dwell in safety.
Listen again.
I will both lay me down in peace and sleep,
For thou,
Lord,
Only makest me dwell in safety.
Notice what word or phrase feels gentle to your spirit tonight.
Maybe it is lay me down in peace,
Or sleep,
Or dwell in safety.
Let that phrase stay with you.
Now breathe in slowly.
As you exhale,
Quietly think,
Peace.
Again,
Breathe in slowly,
And exhale,
Safety.
Let the verse wash over you one more time.
I will both lay me down in peace and sleep,
For thou,
Lord,
Only makest me dwell in safety.
As you rest here,
You do not have to understand everything.
You do not have to solve tomorrow.
You do not have to carry today any longer.
God is here.
God is near.
God is safe.
If it helps,
Repeat softly in your heart.
I lay down in peace.
I rest with God.
I am held tonight.
I am safe with Him.
Take one more slow breath in,
And exhale gently.
Now simply rest.
Rest in the presence of God.
Rest in His safety.
Rest in His peace.
And if you drift off to sleep here,
Let that be enough.
Amen.
