FRIDAY, June 17 Ember Friday

1 Samuel 3:1-21. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ”

It was a sleepless night for Eli and Samuel. Young Samuel kept coming to Eli and asking why he had called. Finally Eli perceived the boy was hearing the voice of God.

I have heard many stories of epiphanies in the middle of the night, whether a person is awakened by insights or inspired within a dream. I have known such events myself as well as nights of restless sleep when my body is tired but my soul is in knots. We would do well to pay attention to our dreams, midnight inspirations, and sleepless nights. In our busy and clamorous days the voice of God is easily missed. Is it any wonder that God would choose to speak to us on our beds, where we are more likely to be quiet, and in our dreams when our minds are open? Sleep is not just rest for the body; it can be ground for inspiration for the soul.

As that great theologian Bob Dylan sings, “God knows the secrets of your heart. He’ll tell them to you when you’re asleep.”

PRAY for the Diocese of Okgwe (Nigeria)

Ps 88 * 91, 92; Acts 2:37-47; Luke 21:5-19

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Jun 17, 2011 at 7:06 am

Written by John Ingrisano,

What a great and simple message. How many of us have had nights when our bodies were tired, yet our souls tied in knots?

Last night...

Jun 17, 2011 at 9:13 am

Written by Marco of San Francisco,

This meditation is so very timely for me. It
was just last night that my body was tired and
my soul was in knots. I did not hear the voice
of God, however, I am inspired this morning to
make decisions, good decisions for me, that I
have delayed, even avoided making.
Thanks be to God!

...

Jun 17, 2011 at 9:31 am

Written by Mary kier,

Wonderful meditation! I have had Jungian therapy. One of the aspects of this therapy. Is dream analysis. In theory the unconscious is free in your sleep and guides you. I benefited so much from this therapy with low selve esteem issues. Now as a practiing Christion I see more and more that the dreams are conversations with God.. I write them down and dig at their meaning as a part of my time with God. (I also had a vision of a deceased friend who I dearly missed. She was eldrly and was wearing her usual house dress but there was pure white light eminating from her. It was so beautiful and I stopped mourning for her. I could feel her spirit with me. Dreams are prfound indeed!

Reflections

Jun 17, 2011 at 11:48 am

Written by Judy Simmons,

The night is such a Silent Sacred time. My restless thoughts are finally stilled. God breaks through my Consciousness. It will be either in a vision, a great sense of PEACE , a dream, or my brother who has just left to live with the other Saints in heaven will assure me; with his ball cap on, his sneakers, his sweatpants and polo shirt; he comforts me as he always did on . Samuel is one of my favorite characters in the bible. I center myself with it and say it quietly to open the door to my meditation.

Dreams

Jun 17, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Written by Barry Chitwood,

I can relate to Mary Kier's comments. Shortly after my father died I had a dream in which I saw him in a brightly lit white room. He took me in his arms and he knew how much I missed him. I will carry that encounter to eternity.

Episcopalian Laity

Jun 17, 2011 at 8:59 pm

Written by Walt,

This meditation is so true. God speaks to us in many ways. A passing remark from a stranger, a word from a friend, and dreams. After reading the comments to this meditation, I was amazed at a common theme; the seeing of a deceased loved one in a dream. Several months after my mother died, I saw her in a dream; she approached me and hu*ged me and then I woke up. I think it was God's way of telling me to move on with my life; she was okay! Just my 2 cents worth!

...

Jun 19, 2011 at 1:33 am

Written by Mary kier,

Barry my mother also had a vision after her brother died. He was me tally I'll and she always took him under her wing. When he died she was trying to remember the tune he used to play on the piano. This was when he was young and healthy. She saw a white light at her bedroom door and she saw him skipping through happy and whistling the tune. She felt at peace about him. Barry it is wonderful that you were able to have that experience. I am very glad for you.

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