Rest in God

Be still

Put the day down. Breathe slowly. God is here, and he never sleeps.

A psalm for tonight

Read it slowly. If a line stands out, stay with it.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah. There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. God is within her. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice, and the earth melted. Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, see Yahweh’s works, what desolations he has made in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46

Look back

Where did you see God’s kindness today? Thank him. Is there anything to put right? Tell him, and leave it with him.

Take longer over this with the Examen →

Give it to God

Name the people and worries on your mind, one by one, and hand each to God for the night.

In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Into your hands

Jesus prayed these words of trust as he died. Christians have prayed them at bedtime for centuries.

Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.

Psalm 31:5

Go to sleep in peace

‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’

Numbers 6:24–26