“My son, let them not depart from your eyes—Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.” Proverbs 3:21-28 NKJV
Father,
This advice from the wise father Solomon to his son touches not on high matters of state or royal principles but on how to live the best life, with inner peace and a clear conscience. Sleep can be difficult due to health but I know from experience that it is impossible to sleep when there is something on your mind. Something that you need to put right, have been hurt by or not done and should have! It comes straight to mind when you turn to pray or try to sleep and wont go away.
It is best when we have a clear conscience so we can rest in Your restorative sleep. Help us to face what will not go away and seek Your wisdom and direction for our peace. In this world where we can be taken advantage of, we still need to be generous where You lead. In this world where we can be hurt we need to learn to forgive and allow You to take over judgement. In this world where it is not always clear what to do for the best help us find wisdom and the help of others too? Help us live so we sleep soundly in Your care. And forgive and restore us when we slip, trip or miss a step.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 1st May 2026
in 1688, Bishop Ken, the author of this hymn, refused to read King James II’s Declaration of Indulgence in the churches, and he was briefly imprisoned in the Tower of London. A few years later, he was acquitted, he refused to swear allegiance to King William and he lost his bishopric. He chose to do the right thing at cost to himself and wrote this hymn about finding peace and sleep..
Glory to thee, my God, this night,
for all the blessings of the light:
keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
beneath thine own almighty wings.
Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son,
the ill that I this day have done;
that with the world, myself, and thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
Teach me to live that I may dread
The grave as little as my bed;
Teach me to die so that I may
Rise glorious at the Judgment Day
O may my soul on thee repose,
and with sweet sleep mine eyelids close;
sleep that shall me more vigorous make
to serve my God when I awake.
When in the night I sleepless lie,
My soul with heavenly thoughts supply;
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,
No powers of darkness me molest.
And when shall I, in endless day,
Forever chase dark sleep away;
And hymns divine with angels sing,
All praise to thee eternal king?
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host:
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Repeat first verse.
Lyrics: Thomas Ken.