by Chris Koellhoffer, IHM November 1, 2026
Have you ever thought of praying while sleeping? After all, Psalm 127 promises that the Holy One “gives to the beloved in sleep.” I’m reminded of St. Joseph, whose dream during sleep illuminated a supportive way for him to be with the news of Mary’s pregnancy (Matthew 1:20). Whose dream during a later rest urged him to move his family to a place of safety, away from Herod’s intentions (Matthew 2:13). And there’s Jesus himself, knowing our human condition first-hand and inviting us to come to him. To draw near especially when we’re overwhelmed and completely spent from carrying the burdens of our lives. Jesus’ expressed desire is to give us rest and restore our weary souls (Matthew 28-29).
Although I’m not always good at it, I’m rather fond of sleep, the falling into it and the coming out of it. I find the twilight moments at night when I’m not yet asleep but also not fully awake absolutely delicious. As I’m nodding off, I imagine God holding me, protecting me, whispering words I can’t decipher but have learned to hear as tenderness, blessing, comfort. And in the early morning when I open my eyes, awake enough to jump out of bed, I don’t. The same God who accompanied me into sleep the night before still feels very, very close. I pause, linger under the covers, listen, and then chat with the Holy One about what’s on my calendar for the day. About who fills my heart and occupies my concern. About my longing to be the face of love, however the day might unfold. I’ve learned to name these moments as holy and as gift. After resting in the stillness for a few minutes, I step out of bed and pray, “Walk with me into this new day.”
One of the graces I pray for everyone to have, whether in or out of rest, is a sense of nearness to the Holy One. I confess that in my daily commitment to prayer that’s not usually what I feel; rather, my prayer life is sometimes so dry that I’m impelled to call out, “Is anyone there? Anyone listening?” No response at the time. But I have noticed that later in the day I may experience a nudge toward acts of kindness or compassion or presence or awareness that come from a source beyond my own. There’s a learning that God’s sense of response time is quite different from mine.
My more formal periods of prayer can often feel like a great leap of faith, a bit like God and I are occupying a huge mansion with dozens of rooms. I know God is present because I can hear her rumbling around, but God and I never seem to end up in the same room at the same time. Still, we continue to show up in hopes that we may come face to face. Showing up in this way points to prayer as relationship rather than prayer simply as obligation. We show up for our family and friends, don’t we, out of love and a desire to strengthen our relationships with them. And that showing up, even when it appears nothing is happening, has to count for something, as I note when I tease the Holy One: “Well, I’m still here. What about you?” It’s ease that comes with an intimate relationship.
No matter where we may find ourselves in the sleep cycle, or the prayer cycle, or the prayer/sleep cycle, the Holy One accompanies us. We, who are wide awake or moving towards slumber. We, who are conscious or unconscious. Accompanied by the same loving Holy One who gave his life over in love for us and who knows our human condition. Whatever else might be unfolding in our everyday lives, that truth alone holds promise and offers consolation every day, whether we’re awake or asleep.
Takeaway
If possible, choose a time for prayer when you’re most inclined to be relaxed. (This may be challenging, depending on what your day is like).
Sit in stillness with the Holy One.
Imagine yourself held in the arms of a loving God.
Rest there for as long as you can.
Featured Images: Unsplash, Polina Khaiko; Unsplash, Hannah Popowski
NOTE:
November 1 (Feast of All Saints)
November 2 (All Souls’ Day)
Thank you for being one of the saints who live beyond us and who give your lives over in love for the sake of a more just and inclusive world.
Let’s hold in tenderness and prayer the many saints who have graced our lives, gone before us in risen life, and continue to hold our intentions in prayer.
Please remember in your prayer my Congregation, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scranton) as we celebrate our Founders’ Day on November 10. Thank you. You will be with us in spirit.
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