Quick! If I would ask you to name 10 spiritual practices, what would you list? I bet you could do it:
- Prayer
- Worship
- Silence
- Solitude
- Journaling
- Service
- Hospitality
- Fasting
- Singing
- Study
- Scripture Reading
Yes these are the basic ones and others I am sure. Yet the other day I was rereading the scripture for the week the story of Elijah in I Kings 19 and was reminded of a spiritual practice I use quite often but rarely mention either in writing or orally and rarely see talked about either – a rather invisible, neglected spiritual practice.
Napping.
In I Kings 19 Elijah is exhausted from running from Queen Jezebel and quite discouraged. God gives him time and space to rest, sleep, then nourishment to renew his strength physically, mentally and spiritually. Elijah napped.
Our mamas were so right when we were toddlers and in the midst of a tantrum – a good nap was just what we needed. Sometimes we all need a nap.
I have also learned over the years not to make decisions and to watch what I say when I am tired – that is the worse time. Get a good night sleep or even better several nights rest before discerning the next right step.
Sometimes it is hard to rest though when difficulties trouble our souls. Rest can come in the form of a good cry, a walk with a friend, a quiet prayer in chapel, being hugged by a loved one. I have found rest by just closing my eyes, visualizing resting my head on Jesus’ lap for a few moments is all I need.
The nap creates the space for the spirit to heal, to imagine new possibilities, to allow answers to surface.
Jesus napped. He even slept right through a crazy storm! If Jesus enjoyed napping, can’t we?
What do you think? Do you practice napping? How does this spiritual practice restore your soul?
oh my goodness, Jean, I never thought of napping as a spiritual practice. but oh it certainly is. listening to His whisper to come rest awhile, releasing the people, places, and things that have come across my path during the day, breathing deep and experiencing His love.
thank you for this profound invitation this afternoon. a good nap sounds lovely right about now, friend.
Glad you liked this idea, Linda. I find as I relax that is when new ideas often come to me too so napping can be a door to wisdom too, not just rest. You used the word release – that is perfect one too. Hope you did get some rest after you read this post!
I had thought about a good night’s sleep in this way, but not napping until you mentioned it here, Jean. Yes, I’ve found as I’ve gotten older, a brief nap after lunch is all I need to restore my energy and sense of calm. It’s never smart to try to make important decisions or creative moves when we’re in need of a refreshing nap. I enjoyed one today, in fact!
Blessings!
Sometimes napping at the wrong time does disrupt a good nights sleep but right after lunch is a great time to take a nap. You have the right idea!
Sometimes I just lay my head back in my office chair and nod off for a bit–just enough to recharge my energy, not enough to disrupt the night’s sleep. The Bible even includes a verse for nappers: “He gives to His beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2b). It sure can work wonders for us–body, mind, and spirit!
love that Bible verse you pointed out. I will remember that one!
It’s a great verse to remember when we start feeling guilty for resting–even a little nap. (We know where THAT guilt comes from! )
I just had a good nap in the recliner in Lenny’s room. A nursing student covered me with a blanket from the warmer. It was just what I needed.
what a good place to rest. I bet you need the rest spiritually after this long difficult season in your life. Praying for continual healing.
thank you jean…i will think abt this…sounds restorative..as a preschool teacher..children were required to rest and nap..was a challenging time for teachers with the non nappers…but it taught us to be soothers and im sure God is soothing is at our rest times if we let Him..
peace
I bet as a preschool teacher you knew the value of a napping! What a good example for us to remember. I bet God has a special place in His heart for preschool teachers. ( :
Yes, I nap sometimes because I am exhausted or sick. Thank you for including it, Jean.
Yvonne, how good to see you here!! Miss you!!