Sleep Talking
I would be mortified if I fell asleep in front of someone in the middle of a conversation
Reference: v.14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: I was chatting to a friend the other day explaining that I had been having trouble getting to sleep at nights.
My friend is a real fix-it kind of person so started suggesting all these strategies that I should try. The list went from smelling lavendar to turning on the radio. She paused, looked at me and then whispered, “You know the best remedy I find for sleeplessness… praying! It only takes me a couple of minutes chatting to God and I fall into a deep sleep.”
The reason she whispered this was not because God had answered her prayer but because she felt guilty that she fell asleep whilst connecting with God.
I have to admit that she’s not alone. I have been known to fall asleep in the middle of a prayer. Regularly I would wake up in the morning and realize that I never said ‘Amen’ to finish my prayer the night before.
I would be mortified if I fell asleep in front of someone in the middle of a conversation however I don’t seem as worried about it with God.
Application: When a man approached Jesus in Matthew 17 it is recorded that he ‘knelt before him.’ This is such a tangible display of honour and respect. This man considered Jesus so highly that I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have fallen asleep in His presence!
When my regular prayer time was just before bed I started the habit of kneeling beside my bed to pray. This had two benefits: 1. It was a position of respect and worship as I committed time to God and 2. I never fell asleep while on my knees!
While it is great to have a close and personal relationship with our Saviour we must not get too complacent and not show the appropriate amount of honour and respect.
Prayer: Lord, while you are our best friend you are also the creator of the universe. May we find a health balance of love and respect for you. Amen.
What is a way you can show your respect to the Lord?
Michael, that is a hard lesson for us to learn, I think. We store up arehtr than trusting God. However, there are times (I think of Joseph in Egypt) when it is wise to build up our stores for the hard times. Learning when to save and when to let go and trust is a delicate balance.