The Spiritual Practice of Sleep

In today's sermon, we delve into a topic often overlooked in spiritual practices: sleep. The journey of Jess and I, fraught with night terrors and sleep apnoea, highlights the impact sleep disturbances can have on our physical and mental well-being. As we navigate through the biological imperative for rest, drawing insights from sleep scientist Matt Walker, we uncover the undeniable need for regular, restorative sleep. It's not merely a suggestion; it's a biological imperative. Beyond its physiological necessity, sleep holds spiritual significance. Just as we redeem food as a spiritual practice, we can transform our sleep into a sanctuary of peace, blessing, and Spiritual encounter. The Psalms paint a picture of sleep as a place where we find refuge in God's protection and experience his lavish love.  Yet, many obstacles hinder this sacred space, from stress and financial worries to unhelpful rhythms and overstimulation. By aligning ourselves with God's rhythms and relinquishing control over our anxieties, we pave the way for restful sleep and deeper spiritual connection.