“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I will keep the Lord always before me…Therefore, my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.” -Psalm 16:7-9
In the Jewish tradition, Sabbath begins at sundown, and I have been drawn to this idea of the day starting in the evening. What shifts when we begin to think about our day starting from a place of rest. What if instead of falling into bed exhausted each night. I think of starting a new day with a good night of sleep?
Tonight, when you go to bed, take a few minutes to review your day.**
- For what I am grateful in this day?
- For what do I need to seek forgiveness?
- For what do I want clarity, counsel or peace?
As you move through the reflection, release the weight of the day into God’s tender care and keeping, trusting in the wisdom, provision and renewal that a night of rest will bring as you wake to face a new day.
God, I bring before you all the things of this day. The joys and pains, the accomplishments and the things left undone. May you hold and care for it all as I rest. Amen.
**This is an adaptation of a practice known as the consciousness examen. The ancient practice developed by Saint Ignatius, is a prayer reflection practice that makes space to notice God’s presence, action and guidance in our daily happenings.
Are there ways you already engage in this practice? How does the idea of working from rest connect with you?
some comfort and joy 