Too Tired to Pray

There are days when life comes hard and fast. I get ready for bed at night and I realize I didn’t pray the way I wanted to that day. I also realize I am very tired and probably won’t be able to keep my eyes open to say any prayers before I go to sleep.

I have given up feeling guilty for those times. Instead, I make an attempt, as I climb into bed, to at least begin a prayer or two. Sometimes I can actually do better than I expected. Other times, I fall asleep in the middle of everything, or at the beginning. The very act of praying soothes me. Because of that calm, that peace, I fall asleep feeling contented and loved. I might not have said what I wanted, or what I planned, but I know that God understands and will begin working on my needs while I sleep. That is a sweet feeling.

But what if I’ve promised someone I’d pray for them, or I wanted to pray for folks involved in some natural disaster, or any one of a dozen reasons I really wanted to devote time to prayer? That answer is easy. I turn everything over to God. I explain to him that I trust him to take care of my unspoken needs and the needs of those I care about. Then, because he is so much more capable than I am, I curl up, thank him in advance, and go to sleep, knowing I did what I could and hope it is acceptable.

Almighty God, you can do so much for so many. Please hear my unspoken words for those I know and love. I entrust them and my needs to your care.