There is a beautiful term used in ancient times: The Night Watch
It refers to the guards who stayed awake on the city walls while everyone else slept. Their job was to watch, to listen and to be present in the darkness.
When I wake up and cannot sleep, I used to get angry. I felt like a failure. But lately, I’ve been trying to reframe it. What if I haven’t been cursed with insomnia? What if I have been summoned for the Night Watch?
The Only Two People Awake
Think about this: Right now, in your house, you are likely the only one awake. But you are not the only one. God is awake. He is the “One who watches over Israel” and “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121:4).
When you wake up in the dark, you are stepping into a private, quiet shift with Him. The rest of the world is busy dreaming, but you and God? You are sharing a moment.
Your Interactive Exercise: The “Breath Prayer”
You don’t need to get out of bed for this. You don’t even need to turn on the light. We are going to turn your tossing and turning into a rhythm of prayer using your breath.
Try this right now:
- Inhale slowly (count to 4). As you breathe in, think of a name for God that brings you comfort. (For example Shepherd, Father, Peacemaker).
- Exhale slowly (count to 6). As you breathe out, release the tension in your shoulders and whisper (in your head): “You are here.”
My Example:
- Inhale: “Prince of Peace…”
- Exhale: “…You are holding me.”
Your 3am Prompt:
If the silence feels heavy tonight, ask God this single question:
“Lord, since we are both awake, what is one thing You want to love me through tonight?”
Don’t strive for an answer. Just ask and rest in the company.
With grace Debbera
