Sleepy Mamas

Spirituality smirituality. At times of desperation, it is one of the last things on the list to get prioritised. I certainly don’t prioritise this part of myself well, but should! I always feel much better when I do.

Everyone has a spiritual side. Some people explore it more than others. It’s the part of us that transcends logic and science, psychology and thought, and exists within the realms of our feelings, instincts, and serene internal landscapes. Spirituality can’t always be contained within words and explanations, it’s often too large or too fierce, too esoteric or too intangible to articulate. Everyone tends to have a very different experience of spirituality and spiritual thought, however, regardless of your faith, your culture, or your creed, there are always more similarities between religions and beliefs than differences. What does this have to do with sleep deprivation? I come from a Christian faith and have found prayer incredibly helpful and soothing. I hoped it could be helpful for others too of all faiths or none. At our most desperate, it is very usual to want to reach out to a place beyond ourselves, and in those moments there is great value in safely sharing what’s hurting you, what you need, and any guteral thoughts which are coming from somewhere much deeper than normal. It’s also helpful when you don’t have somebody right there to listen to you when you need to offload. It doesn’t matter who your God is and who you pray to, whether it’s a deity or the universe or shouting into the depths of a feather pillow! I hope this prayer serves that spiritual part of you that may be exhausted, frightened, and screaming for recognition at the moment as you’re trying to get through this sleep-deprived struggle. Before you use this, let’s be clear; prayer isn’t about getting what you ask for, it’s a deep and earnest expression of what you are feeling, the belief you are being heard, and focusing your mind on what you need and hope for. I hope this prayer is comforting and restful for that tiered soul!

Dear God,

Hear me as I pray today for strength, patience, and hope. Bring me closer to a future where I can receive regular rest and peace, where I can navigate my life with clarity, joy, and energy, and where I can begin to feel myself again after this period of upheaval. Ground me through this time and when I feel untethered, dislodged and far from familiar life, remind me I am always home with you. God, I am often full of rage, grief, fear, frustration, guilt, regret, and longing. Help me to feel these emotions safely. Keep me from harm and help me bring them to you in all their ugliness. Help me to notice and treasure the life around me and all its many gifts, especially when I feel numb or detatched. Keep me uplifted and sustained by the beauty and joy around me in all corners of my life. Thank you especially for my partner, my child, and my family and friends all looking after me. Be with these incredible people. Give them hope too. Help me to connect with them as much as possible, and bring us to a place where we can find balance and normality again. Protect me whilst I’m vulnerable and shield us from harm. Guide me whilst I’m lost and shine a light on our options. Comfort me when I fall, or drift deep into unhappy thoughts, and bring me back to the surface. Help me to survive this period, and instill in me the hope and reassurance that this is not forever. Help me to always feel your presence and endless love, knowing that throughout this horrible time, you are always right beside me.

Amen