Fell Asleep While Praying? It's OK!

 

I’ve always felt a little guilty when I realize that I fell asleep while praying. Like I should have been more “into it” or alert and aware - something.

Now granted, we’re not talking about that praying that happens in church just before the pastor delivers the message :) If you’re falling asleep at THAT prayer time, that’s a problem, and this post isn’t about that at all.

But my days usually end in prayer as I thank the Lord for His blessings of the day, and try to give up all my cares and concerns to Him before going to sleep. And sometimes I have fallen asleep before finishing that conversation with Him. It feels disrespectful and that’s the last thing I want to be towards my Lord and Savior.

I know it’s a silly thought, and it really doesn’t bother me all THAT much, but it has sort of lingered there in the back of my mind - yet another thing to try and improve. But today I noticed this:

 
Matthew 1:20-25

(Matt 1:20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

(Matt 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

(Matt 1:22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

(Matt 1:23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

(Matt 1:24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

(Matt 1:25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

 

Now, I’ve read this passage many times before. There is just SO MUCH here. The virgin birth. Who He is. What He was here doing for us. I’ve never given much thought to the fact that the encounter with the angel was called a dream. My mind just glossed over that thinking maybe it was a daydream or a vision or something. But today I noticed that in verse 24 it really seems like he had fallen asleep.

The Bible doesn’t say he was praying, but thinking intently at the time. Knowing what we know of Joeseph, I don’t think it’s a stretch to believe he was praying and seeking God’s counsel. After all, we are to pray constantly and all prayer really is is speaking to Him as if He was right here with us all the time. Because He is.

So I feel better now :)

 

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